Erik ten Hag is giving Manchester United what they need and they now need to give him what he needs

Erik ten Hag is growing into the role of Manchester United manager. His English in his first two press conferences in Manchester and Bangkok - six weeks apart - was staccato and, for a transcriber, a doddle.

At the Ritz Carlton in Perth on Friday afternoon, Ten Hag's English was as fluid as the moves for United's second and third goals against Crystal Palace. He is quickening the pace as much as his new players.

Now Ten Hag's paymasters must. United won three and drew one of their matches in Bangkok and Australia, the players have adapted impressively to their new coach and United appear to have an identity again.

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Good football is one of the few guarantees of Ten Hag's appointment. If he is to be successful, he requires sufficient backing and United's pacing in the transfer market has been glacial.

The additions of Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez, both confirmed while United were based in Melbourne, contributed to the buoyant mood. Take a step back and no amount of window dressing can depict United's transfer window as a success so far.

A free agent and two additions from the Eredivisie is not worthy of a squad rebuild, nor is it a resounding response to the club's worst season in nearly 50 years.

There is still no new central midfielder and United's attack is an injury or suspension away from collapsing. In that respect, slugging it out with the artisans of Atletico Madrid in Oslo on Saturday is a precarious preparation for Brighton eight days later.

"I am really happy with the performance of the midfield and offence at this moment," Ten Hag said at the team hotel. "But I also know this season, a lot of games, World Cup, so we need more