Manchester United begin new season with premium lost
Erik ten Hag‘s tenure as Manchester United boss got off to a losing start as Brighton held off a late onslaught to earn their first victory at Old Trafford.
The home crowd, which was eager to see their club put a disastrous end to last season behind them, was surprised by Pascal Gross’ two goals in the first half.
Graham Potter’s club, who defeated United 4-0 at the Amex Stadium in May on their route to a ninth-place finish—their best in the top flight—totally outplayed them in that opening period, though.
Even after Cristiano Ronaldo entered the game in the second half, Brighton was unable to fight back, although they did have a chance when Alexis Mac Allister put the ball in his own net after goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had touched it into his path while under siege from Harry Maguire.
This result was significant because Brighton had only secured one draw in their previous nine league visits.
Ten Hag had to start his tenure as United manager off similarly to fellow Dutchman Louis van Gaal, who in 2014 lost his opening game to Swansea at home by the identical score.
