We must talk about this — Ten Hag blames three players for Brighton defeat

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has blamed three players after watching his side lose 2-1 to Brighton.

Manchester United’s quest to build on their Premier League opening win against Fulham was thwarted at Brighton’s Amex Stadium.

A first-half goal from former United man Danny Welbeck gave the hosts the lead.

Emerging star Amad Diallo equalized with a deflected effort but Joao Pedro secured a late winner for Brighton in dramatic fashion after some disappointing defending.

The Red Devils had a goal disallowed after Alejandro Garnacho’s goal-bound effort struck Joshua Zirkzee who was in an offside position.

95th-minute Joao Pedro winner ruins Manchester United after Zirkzee howler in loss to Brighton

MANCHESTER UNITED WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE ARE BACK 😭😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/V3mHNDJlac

— Plug99 (@heisplug99) August 24, 2024

“We didn’t stop the cross… There were three players. [Adingra is a] right-footed player, send him down the line, send him wide instead of letting him come in and let the cross.

“That is what you have to do so we have, of course, to talk about this.”

Manchester United will need to move on from this defeat quickly as their next game is against bitter rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. Such defensive lapses could see the Red Devils quickly fall down the table and lose momentum ahead of the international break.