Erik ten Hag: Manchester United conceded “two easy goals” in defeat to Brighton and “should play better”

Erik ten Hag was frustrated after Manchester United’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion and demanded that his team “perform better” in the future.

Earlier, Amad Diallo had equalised an opening goal by Danny Welbeck, who scored his fifth goal against his old club and thus the 100th goal of his career.

After the game, Ten Hag told TNT Sports that both of his team’s goals were “soft” and should have been prevented.

“It’s very disappointing,” said the disappointed United boss. “Especially when you’re in control for large parts of the game.”

“We controlled the game when we had the ball and were very good. We conceded two unnecessary goals that could have been avoided.”

He added: “That’s our feeling. We conceded two easy goals where we should have played better as a team.”

“We have to talk, we have to be coordinated with each other in such moments (and know) what to do. Everyone knows the task and as a team we protect our goal.”

Despite Ten Hag’s verdict on Saturday about the weaknesses in the Red Devils’ defence, former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand did not entirely agree with the Dutch head coach.

He told TNT Sports that the team seemed improved and had “more control” and “a bit of stability” in defense.

“I think there is definitely an improvement in the shape and structure of the team,” he said. “Man Utd don’t look like an open team.”

“I sat here last season with my hands on my head at various moments of games where we were being torn to pieces at will and teams just came to Old Trafford and had 22 or 25 shots.

“That hasn’t been the case in the last two games. There’s more control, a bit of stability, but of course there’s still room for improvement.”