Manchester United have adopted a more 'secretive' transfer strategy under Erik ten Hag and may be working on 'one or two deals' with players not yet known to be Old Trafford targets, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

The Red Devils have entered a new era, with ten Hag leaving Ajax to take over as their new boss at the climax of last season, but they have been unable to recruit any fresh faces since the summer window officially opened for business.

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict

Who are Man United known to have been targeting?

Tyrell Malacia appears to be on course to become the first signing of ten Hag's reign after a £14.6million deal was agreed with Dutch side Feyenoord earlier this week, allowing Manchester United to leap ahead of French giants Lyon in the queue for the left-back's signature.

Frenkie de Jong also seems to be edging towards a switch to Old Trafford as it is understood that he is now open to the move despite initial concerns and a big-money bid, worth an initial £56.2million, has been negotiated with Barcelona.

The Red Devils are going head-to-head with Premier League rivals Arsenal for the signing of Ajax central defender Lisandro Martinez, with a £40million offer being plotted after the Gunners have already headed to Amsterdam with three proposals.

Another Ajax star Manchester United are hopeful of acquiring is Antony, with club officials visiting the Dutch capital last week as they aimed to strike a deal.

They are also waiting to hear back from Christian Eriksen, who is now a free agent after his six-month Brentford contract expired at the end of June.

Barca agree De Jong transfer!? Hear more on The Football Terrace...

What has Alex Crook said about the situation?

Crook believes Manchester United have learnt from previous mistakes and, having been subjected to in-house leaks in recent transfer windows, are working on negotiating deals outside of the public eye.

As a result, the talkSPORT reporter would not be surprised to see the Red Devils welcome stars to Old Trafford when they were not even known to be ten Hag targets.

Crook told GIVEMESPORT: "I think there's a few names that we don't even know about.

"With United, I think the days of all those leaks coming out have gone and they're trying to be a bit more secretive about their dealings.

"I think there's one or two deals they're working on that we don't even know about yet."

Why is ten Hag looking to add to his squad?

Manchester United finished 13 points adrift of Champions League qualification last season, so it is clear improvements need to be made if ten Hag wants to enjoy a successful opening campaign at the helm.

While defensive frailties proved costly in the Red Devils' bid to finish in the Premier League's top four, a lack of firepower was also a key reason, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes being the only stars to break into double figures for goals.

Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic have also departed, leaving space within the squad, so it only makes sense for ten Hag to welcome reinforcements to Old Trafford.