Manchester United have perfect chance to sort out four problems ahead of Ineos arrival

Erik ten Hag was in a positive mood when reflecting on his meeting with Sir Jim Ratcliffe this week.

"We had a long meeting, so many hours we sit together," said the Manchester United manager. "On many issues we were on the same page, very positive from both sides."

United fans will now hope the talk is followed by action. It has been a difficult if not dreadful campaign so far for the Reds who finished bottom of their Champions League, saw their Carabao Cup defence end before Christmas and are off the pace in the Premier League.

The confirmation on Christmas Eve of Ineos' 25 per cent investment was a welcome end to 13-month process that felt a lot longer such was the dithering. Sir Jim Ratcliffe must now wait for Premier League ratification before things can become official.

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Between now and then comes a window of opportunity. There is an obvious one in the January transfer window but a unique month offers Ten Hag and United the chance to ensure the Ineos era starts on surer footing.

The first match of 2024 is a trip to League One side Wigan Athletic and represents a good chance for United to progress in the FA Cup and set up a fourth round tie in a few weeks. The competition is the last hope of silverware this term and as such can play a key role in the next few months. Ten Hag steered United to glory in the Carabao Cup last term and if he can repeat that in the FA Cup this time around, having lost in last year's final, then it would salvage the season.

It might also improve the league form. United play just one top-flight fixture in January, at home to Tottenham. It means making up ground in the race