Good morning Manchester United fans
Erik ten Hag claims losing to Brighton shows he has a ‘hell of a job’ AND needs Cristiano Ronaldo.
And United skipper Harry Maguire blamed a “nightmare first half” for the “worst possible start” to the season.
Pascal Gross’ brace sealed a deserved 2-1 victory for Brighton before sub-par Ronaldo inspired some improvement from the struggling Red Devils.
But United’s mounting pressure led only to Alexis MacAllister’s own goal in reply.
New boss Ten Hag said: “It’s definitely a setback. It’s a real disappointment and we have to deal with it.
“We gave away two easy balls and the organization was a big mistake.
“We have to take the lessons and learn quickly from them. We don’t have time and we have to deliver.”
Ten Hag believes United clicked better once Ronaldo came on and debutant Christian Eriksen retreated into a deeper midfield role.
And central Maguire said: “We started well and were in control of the game. Then we conceded the first goal and that hit us hard.
“We stopped playing after that. We have to try not to let that first goal set us back as much as it did. But we have to be better with the ball.”
But pundits such as Old Trafford legends Paul Scholes and Roy Keane, as well as fans on social media, suggested the midfielder would join Fred and Scott McTominay.
Meanwhile, Marko Arnautovic’s brother appears to have confirmed that United have replaced the 33-year-old Bologna striker.
Journalist Andreas Heidenreich says that Danijel Arnautovic told him: “It is true that there is an offer from a well-known club.”
Finally, Ten Hag reportedly “appreciates” the talent of PSV Eindhoven winger Cody Gakpo, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Leeds.