Erik ten Hag is under ‘an awful lot of pressure’ after defeat at Brighton, claims Gary Neville… as he singles out one Man United star player for mistake in winning goal
- READ: Sami Mokbel’s verdict on Manchester United’s dramatic late collapse
- PLAYER RATINGS: Chris Wheeler rules the sides at the Amex Stadium
- Joao Pedro scored the winning goal for the Seagulls in the fifth minute of injury time
Manchester United’s defeat to Brighton has put ‘a lot of pressure’ on manager Erik ten Hag, according to Gary Neville.
Although only two games into the new season, Neville believes the pressure on the Dutchman is now mounting ahead of next weekend’s clash against arch-rivals Liverpool.
Manchester United came from behind, scored by former United striker Danny Welbeck, to equalise in the second half through Amad Diallo.
But Joao Pedro scored deep into second-half injury time to ensure Brighton retained top spot in the league over the two games.
âA very depressing end to the game,â Neville told NBC Sports.
Pressure mounts on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after loss to Brighton, claims Gary Neville
The former Manchester United defender described the events as a ‘depressing end to the game’
‘I would have found a draw somewhat acceptable, but if we lose the game it puts enormous pressure on Erik ten Hag and on the game against Liverpool next week.’
Brighton have proven to be a nightmare for the Red Devils in recent years and the first 45 minutes were frustrating as United fell behind.
âI don’t think anyone was surprised in the first half of the game,â Neville added.
‘It’s very difficult to play football without a striker. You need a central point up front and he corrected that at half-time by [Joshua] ‘Zirkzee is coming, but you have already wasted 45 minutes of the match and that is a problem.’
United thought they were 2-1 up when Alejandro Garnacho scored from a breakaway, but VAR determined it was a touch on the line by Zirkzee, resulting in the ball being ruled out for offside.
Brighton recovered after that, but a fateful defensive display from United in the closing stages cost Ten Hag’s side the victory.
Ten Hag and his players must now regroup to play against Liverpool next weekend
“In the second half, with the first goal, the defending was poor, but I’ve just seen the last goal. When you clear a corner, you still have to defend, just like you would in the second phase of a corner,” the former United defender added.
‘If you watch Casemiro, it looks like he leaves his position at the far post and goes back into midfield, but then suddenly he has a lot of space at the back.
‘Lack of concentration, lack of focus, and that does put some pressure on them.’