(Football news) For all the optimism surrounding Manchester United in pre-season, Erik ten Hag and his team got off to a nightmarish start at Old Trafford after losing 1-2 to Brighton in the opening game. It was the same old story for the Red Devils who had a torrid first half, allowing Brighton to score two goals in nine minutes to silence the home fans. It was so bad that the players were booed off at half-time with the scoreline reading 2-0 in favour of the Seagulls.
Manchester United’s lineup featured two new signings in Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez and they were by far the best players in the match. With Ronaldo benched, the Red Devils lacked the firepower to pose a viable threat up front in what was an utterly disjointed performance. With Avram Glazer in attendance looking unimpressed, Manchester United fans can only hope that funds will be available to back the manager to bring in at least 4-5 more signings before the end of August. At this point it’s a case of necessity in order to qualify for the Champions League rather than expecting trophies.
After a bright start by Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes missed a golden opportunity by failing to hit the target from an unmarked position near the penalty spot. This came to bite the hosts later as a Danny Welbeck cross found an unmarked Gross at the far post who found the back of the net, silencing the home fans. To make matters worse for Manchester United, Gross scored again in the 39th minute in a well worked move that sliced through the Red Devils’ defence.
The optimism at Old Trafford prior to kick off quickly turned into fury as fans realised that it could be a very long season ahead. It could have been worse for Manchester United as McTominay was very fortunate to only get a yellow card after his slide tackle caught Caicedo’s ankle but VAR gave the Scot the benefit of doubt. Cristiano Ronaldo, who had only played 45 minutes in pre-season was introduced in the second half but it was Brighton who should have had a penalty when Welbeck was pushed by Martinez in the box but somehow VAR decided against a spot kick.
Manchester United did manage to score a consolation goal in the 68th minute as Mac Allister’s touch went into the back of the net from a corner. However, Ten Hag’s team couldn’t find an equaliser despite having a quarter of the game remaining and the Old Trafford crowd urging them on. It was Brighton’s first ever victory at Old Trafford, having previously drawn two and lost 12 of their previous 14 visits. Erik ten Hag became the first manager since his compatriot Louis Van Gaal (vs Swansea City in 2014) to lose his first match in charge.
Speaking after the match, Ten Hag said “It is definitely a set-back, a real disappointment, but we have to deal with it. I knew from the start that it wouldn't be easy, it's a process and takes time, but we don't have time. We have to win games and we should have done better. I analyse it and it was unnecessary. We gave too many easy balls away and the organisation was a big mistake. It was not the way we made it out, we made it clear how to deal with certain situations when we drop in. but that happens, we have to analyse and take the lessons from it.
"I think so [desired Ronaldo impact?]. It was clear to see that the second half, we were better in midfield with (Christian) Eriksen down and Ronaldo up. Then we created and (Marcus) Rashford had two really good chances. It's a pity we didn't score them for 2-2. It takes time [for Ronaldo to get fit], you cannot force it. He has had one week of training and he has to do more to get fit. This game will help him with 35/40 minutes. Now we have one week and he will be better next week. I'm not satisfied [with Eriksen and the attacking unit]. I'm totally not happy because we lost and it was not necessary. We should have done things better.
"Even with those players, we could have done it better [will there be more reinforcements?]. It [the challenges this season] is the same. I knew before it would not be easy to construct it, to build it, develop it and it takes time. I know we don't have time, we have to deliver and we are aware of this situation. I said it after the game in the dressing room that I saw it in the game [did you see a togetherness?]. In the action in the second half, we were acting as one team, battling for a better result. I've seen it clearly, and also in the first half. It's not that we didn't battle or we didn't have the right attitude, we made mistakes on the ball, passing mistakes, organisational mistakes and in defending. We have to [fix them quickly], but we also have to take the lessons and learn quickly from it."
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