Erik ten Hag explains why postponed matches could benefit Manchester United

Erik ten Hag believes the extra time on the training pitch he has had with his Manchester United players over the last few days will prove beneficial in the long run.

United have not played for a week after Sunday's game against Crystal Palace in the Premier League was postponed.

The Reds are back in action on Thursday night as they face FC Sheriff in the Europa League. Asked how beneficial the extra time on the training ground has been, Ten Hag responded: "I think we had good days, where we could give the players some time for themselves, but then also, after that, we had that that time when we had some really good sessions. I think it will be really beneficial for the future, and to start tomorrow."

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United, whose game against Leeds on Sunday has also been postponed, face a busy schedule of games following the upcoming international break, with 13 games between October 2 and November 13. Ten Hag, though, is not looking too far into the future.

He added: "First, we have to see this game [against Sheriff]. Let's focus on that and then we will see. Of course, I am aware there is a break and we are planning but that's not important at this moment. There is only one thing that is important and that is this game."

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