Ineos are easing Manchester United fears with transfer window approach

After dithering on Erik ten Hag's future, Ineos are now greasing their wheels at Manchester United.

Just over a week after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe added Dan Ashworth to the club's new-look hierarchy, appointing him as sporting director, United have launched an attack on the summer transfer window. They have made admirable progress with their pursuit of Matthijs de Ligt and are confident of wrapping up a deal for the centre-back's fellow countryman, Joshua Zirkzee.

United have verbally agreed personal terms with De Ligt and are optimistic about concluding a deal. As things stand, he could be the very first signing of the Ineos era.

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United, as reported by the Manchester Evening News on Tuesday, could sign up to three centre-backs this summer as they attempt to overhaul the landscape of their defence. They have had an offer accepted for Lille's Leny Yoro and have seen two bids knocked back for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite.

It can, at this stage, be argued United haven't achieved anything in this summer's transfer window as of yet, but the speed at which Ineos are working suggests that will soon change. They are not most certainly not hanging around now that Ashworth is in position.

The fact United are advancing with a deal for De Ligt, who would be categorised as a statement signing, but are still putting offers on the table for both Yoro and Branthwaite confirms Ineos are refusing to stand still. They are exploring various avenues simultaneously in their quest to strengthen the squad.

It makes a refreshing change from previous years in which United