Manager Erik ten Hag is concentrating on the club’s forthcoming game against Nottingham Forest rather than being distracted by the club’s new structure, which was announced less than a week ago by British entrepreneur Jim Ratcliffe.

Since he has been incredibly busy throughout the Christmas break, during which United defeated Aston Villa 3-2 on Tuesday and will face Forest away on Saturday, the Dutchman has yet to speak with anyone from Ratcliffe’s INEOS group.

“I’m ecstatic. They want to work with me, I want to work with them, we’ll talk, we’ll meet,” Ten Hag said during a news conference, referring to the INEOS firm, which will take over responsibility of the club’s soccer activities.

“I’m still focused on the game, so I said no (to talks).” Right now, I don’t need any distractions. There will be time for us in the next days and weeks, and I’ll have more information.”In my perspective, it’s a positive thing. We are very pleased to work together. In this arrangement, INEOS wants to collaborate with me, and I want to collaborate with them.”

The boss is also waiting for injured players to return, but not for the trip to Forest.

“It will be a similar squad as we had against Villa,” Ten Hag told reporters.

“We expect many players to return in mid-January.” Casemiro, (Lisandro) Martinez, (Tyrell) Malacia, and, of course, Harry Maguire.”

At the midway point of the season, United is ranked eighth, 11 points behind leaders Liverpool.

Despite their injury concerns, United rallied from a 2-0 deficit to upset high-flying Villa, which Ten Hag regards as highly encouraging.

“We proved, despite all the setbacks, I think not any team can deal with so many setbacks as we had,” said the club’s head coach.

“We’re not happy with the number of points, but you have to be happy.” When all of the players return, the group will be formidable. We faced Liverpool, Arsenal, and Villa, the league’s top three teams… we can beat anyone.”

United face a Forest side that won 3-1 at Newcastle United in new manager Nuno Espirito Santo’s second game in charge on Tuesday.

“You can observe how they respond when a new manager arrives. “You see the spirit; we must be prepared,” said Ten Hag.

With 17 points, Forest is ranked 16th.