Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified Manchester United’s dire injury record as a critical area to address, believing this will hugely improve performance after a season in which Erik ten Hag’s players sustained more than 60 injuries.

Ratcliffe and his key lieutenant, Sir Dave Brailsford, are intent on strengthening United in the transfer window but are conscious that a squad of quality players is of no use if many are serially available. Ten Hag’s selection and ability...