Erik’s United fix has started

ERIK TEN HAG is already working on the future of Manchester United’s players in between taking charge of Ajax matches.

United are respectful of Ten Hag’s commitments in Holland in the middle of a title race — his side beat PEC Zwolle 3-0 yesterday — but on days off, he is in regular contact with the football department headed by John Murtough and Darren Fletcher.

The incoming manager will have a key role in deciding whether United’s out of contract players will be offered deals to stay, before he ends his spell in Amsterdam on May 15.

So far there has been no strong indication from Ten Hag that Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani — all due to leave in the summer — need to be secured.

Instead, there is a belief that freeing up squad spaces will allow the 52-year-old to make four or five signings.

In addition, Andreas Pereira, Anthony Martial and James Garner are all available to return from loan.

Former player Fletcher is set to play a more visible role in United’s recruitment process this summer.

Matt Judge, who often led meetings with potential targets and their agents, is leaving United and Fletcher will take over some of those responsibilities.

The Scot won numerous trophies with United as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson and is in a good position to enthuse prospective recruits about what playing for the club means.