Man United could have their most successful season in 10 years but plans are well underway to enhance the squad next term.

Erik ten Hag insists Manchester United are “working hard” to improve the squad next season in the summer transfer window.

United have already ended their trophy drought, are in the quarter-finals of the Europa League and the semi-finals of the FA Cup and could return to third in the Premier League on Saturday.

The club have prioritised recruiting a new striker, with Tottenham talisman Harry Kane Ten Hag’s preferred option. Ten Hag is also keen to sign a younger midfielder and would endorse a second approach for Frenkie de Jong.

United are planning for more outgoings than incomings, with player sales due to partly fund reinvestment in the squad. United have provisionally planned to sell Harry Maguire, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams and Anthony Martial.

Ten Hag said in midweek United need two players capable of scoring more than 15 goals in a season. Marcus Rashford is United’s highest scorer on 28 goals – more than double second-top scorer Bruno Fernandes on 10 – and two United players have broken the 20-goal barrier in only four seasons in the last 15 years.

“We are working hard in the background so that we get more players in scoring,” Ten Hag stressed, “but at the same time we have to develop the team and develop our attacking play, so that more players come into areas where they can score goals.

“I think we have the capabilities. I have to repeat that Jason Sancho can score a goal, Bruno Fernandes can score a goal, Marcel Sabitzer can score a goal and Antony. The good thing is Anthony Martial is getting fit, fit and fitter, so when he is back he can definitely score goals, so we already have two players who are capable of scoring 15 goals or more.

“You always have to think about improving your way of playing. We are now in the final stage, so not even two months to go, so you keep working to improve your game and then you make the next step.

“The summer will come, and I already said, of course we are working in the background. But in this moment, it is not the focus. It is about now. We are in the right spot and we are competing for the top four of the Premier League, the quarter-final of the Europa League and semi-final of the FA Cup.

“We have already won a cup, so we have to make it a really successful season. We have a great squad, so I am really positive to get a good final stage of the season and even more silverware.”

Rashford is approaching the final 12 months of his United contract but Ten Hag is unconcerned by the protracted discussions over a renewal. “No. I don’t want to comment on the process because I don’t think it will support the process, but I am quite relaxed.”

Ten Hag has a timeframe for Alejandro Garnacho’s return from an ankle injury he sustained in the goalless draw with Southampton on March 11. United expected the 18-year-old to play again this season.

“We have something in our heads,” Ten Hag indicated. “He will be back before the end of the season, but I don’t want to bring so much pressure to the medical department and Garnacho.”