Erik ten Hag DEFENDS players as Manchester United suffer painful defeat to Brighton

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag was in no mood to let anyone speak ill of his players following a 2-1 loss to Brighton.

Erik ten Hag DEFENDS players as Manchester United suffer painful defeat to Brighton

Erik ten Hag was in no mood to hear slander aimed at his stars (Via X/@ManUtd & OfficialBHAFC)

Manchester United suffered a frustrating 2-1 defeat to Brighton on matchday 2 of the Premier League. Erik ten Hag‘s men appeared to be in control of the game up until the closing minutes when a dagger from Joao Pedro sunk United’s hearts at Falmer Stadium. Despite the loss, Ten Hag stood up for his players, claiming that they were not to be blamed for the result.

Replying to a journalist’s question, Erik ten Hag abruptly stated that it is the press that prefers shifting the blame on specific targets. 

I think we're always looking for someone to blame. I think we conceded very soft goals on both occasions. I think we could've done better.
Erik ten Hag told the press via HaytersTV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYWawfRStlk

United found themselves trailing in the 32nd minute when Kaoru Mitoma set up Danny Welbeck for an easy tap-in. The Red Devils responded through Marcus Rashford, although the goal was ruled out for offside. They finally drew level with the hosts at the hour mark, when Amad Diallo fired his shot past Jason Steele.

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Just when the visitors thought they could salvage a point, Joao Pedro came in with the last-minute winner. An amazing team effort culminated in the Brazilian heading home from close range past Andre Onana.

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Erik ten Hag unimpressed with the defensive showing during the 2-1 loss

Manchester United were far from their best on Saturday night as Brighton ran away with all three points in the final minutes. Talking about the match-winning goal, Ten Hag stated that three right-footed players were in the ‘wrong’ for not sending Simon Adingra down the line during the build-up to the goal. Instead, Adingra dribbled into the penalty area before whipping in a cross for the winner.

Erik ten Hag
Erik ten Hag was not impressed with his side’s defensive display (Via IMAGO)

Following the game, Ten Hag said that he needed to have a ‘talk’ regarding the same. Despite making several defensive reinforcements, starting with Leny Yoro to Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, the club still has many issues to fix in the department. For instance, Mazraoui was in the wrong for letting Mitoma send in the pass that led to United’s opener.

Despite scoring what proved to be the winner, Argentine forward Alejandro Garnacho‘s finish was flagged offside. The forward took to social media, penning a rather cryptic message along the lines of ‘God has something planned for me’.

The 20-year-old has had a subdued role this season, coming off the bench in both Premier League games this season. Following the loss, the club is now 11th in the League table and will face Liverpool on Matchday 3.

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