Man Utd signing already giving Ten Hag headache after Brighton loss

Updated: 25 Aug 2024 10:33 BST
4 min read

Erik ten Hag, Man Utd, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag has started the new season without much indication that his new players are listening to instructions.

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The Red Devils rued a chalked-off goal from Alejandro Garnacho as they lost 2-1 to Brighton, who have started the season on a winning streak.

At the AMEX Stadium, Man Utd were delivered a blow in injury time with Joao Pedro netting for the Seagulls to win the game.

Pedro, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, was left unmarked at the far post, heading in Simon Adingra's cross to seal the win.

After the defeat, Ten Hag pointed to the issues in defence. He singled out four players for their role in the goal, including new signing Noussair Mazraoui.

It was Antony's feeble attempt at a tackle that gave Adingra the space he needed to make the cross, but Diogo Dalot, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mazraoui failed to close down Pedro before he scored, leaving him unmarked.

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"We didn't stop the cross," Ten Hag said. "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.

"We have, of course, to talk about this."

Mazraoui arrived for a fee of €15 million from Bayern Munich, with an additional €5m in potential add-on clauses.

The fullback's move was facilitated by Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s departure to West Ham. He was managed by Ten Hag at Ajax, with the Dutchman rebuilding his successful Eredivisie side at Old Trafford. The club now possess five players who were with Ten Hag at Ajax: Matthijs de Ligt, Mazraoui, Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Andre Onana.

Mazraoui started the game but there were question marks about his decision to omit Joshua Zirkzee and De Ligt from the starting XI. The former Ajax man named an unchanged XI from the side that beat Fulham last weekend.

© IMAGO - De Ligt failed to make the starting XI

Mason Mount fitness concern

Mason Mount started the game but was taken off after a decent opening half against Brighton.

The manager has explained that it was a fitness concern that saw the substitution. "It was forced," Ten Hag told reporters at his post-match press conference. "He mentioned an issue and I don't want to take the risk with him.

"I don't know how much of a worry it is, I can't say at this moment. But I think, when we have the good bench, and we can bring in Zirkzee, then don't hesitate. Bring Mount off and bring [on] a player who can have an impact."