Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has attributed his team’s 2-1 loss to Brighton to poor defending, particularly in the closing stages of the match. The defeat, which came courtesy of a 95th-minute header from Joao Pedro, has intensified pressure on the Dutch coach.
Brighton took the lead through Danny Welbeck in the first half, but United appeared to have salvaged a point when Amad Diallo’s deflected shot found the net. However, United’s defense faltered again as Pedro was left unmarked to score the late winner, leaving Ten Hag frustrated with his team’s inability to protect their goal.
Despite heavy investment in defensive reinforcements, including the signings of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, and Leny Yoro, United’s defense was found wanting. De Ligt, along with Scott McTominay, was caught out of position, allowing Brighton’s Simon Adingra to deliver the cross that led to Pedro’s goal.
“If you protect the goal like we do then you drop points,” Ten Hag lamented. “We concede two soft goals where we should act better as a team. We have to be alive in such moments.”
This defeat comes ahead of a crucial clash against Liverpool at Old Trafford next weekend, adding to the scrutiny on Ten Hag following a disappointing eighth-place finish last season, despite winning the FA Cup.
Brighton, under new manager Fabian Hurzeler, continued their strong start to the season, building on their 3-0 victory over Everton in the previous match. Hurzeler praised his team’s attitude and belief, especially after securing the emotional late winner.
United, who began the season with a narrow 1-0 win against Fulham, now face an uphill battle to show significant improvement from last season’s struggles.
