Manchester United suffered their first defeat of the Premier League season conceding a 95th-minute goal to Brighton. The late winner, scored by Joao Pedro left United manager Erik ten Hag visibly frustrated as he criticized his players for their role in the costly defensive lapse.
With just moments remaining, United’s defense faltered as Pedro was left unmarked, nodding in a cross from Simon Adingra. The goal was eerily reminiscent of last season where United repeatedly conceded late winners a pattern that Ten Hag is determined to break.
Erik Ten Hag Unhappy with Defensive Errors
“We didn’t stop the cross,” Ten Hag said bluntly highlighting the errors made by full-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui. “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.”
Ten Hag emphasized the need for better game management a weakness that has plagued the team in crucial moments. He pointed out that United were on the brink of victory but failed to even secure a point due to their inability to handle pressure in the dying minutes.
“When we win the trophies, there were many other big games we take the points. On this occasion today we should do better,” he admitted.
Despite the disappointing result, there were moments of promise for United. Alejandro Garnacho came close to putting them ahead, only to be denied by a controversial offside decision.
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United had impressed during the first half, but went into halftime trailing 1-0, a blow that they couldn’t fully recover from.
“We have to build up, be more clinical, and be more aggressive,” Ten Hag concluded, acknowledging that while there were positive aspects of their play the team must learn from these mistakes if they are to challenge for top honours this season.
As United look to bounce back, Ten Hag’s words serve as a stark reminder that no detail can be overlooked in the pursuit of success.