Brighton hands Manchester United, new manager Erik ten Hag first loss

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New manager, same old problems for Manchester United.

United slumped to a 2-1 loss against Brighton at Old Trafford on Sunday in Erik ten Hag’s first Premier League game in charge, dispelling any notion that the Dutch coach could provide an instant fix to the many issues that plagued the team last season.

United looked vulnerable in defense — with Pascal Gross scoring twice in the first half to put Brighton in control — and toothless in attack until Cristiano Ronaldo came on early in the second half.

"Definitely a setback, a real disappointment," Ten Hag said. "I knew from the start it will not be easy. And it’s a process, it takes time. But you don’t have time, we have to win games. We should have done better."

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Brighton's Pascal Gross, second from right, celebrates with his teammate Alexis Mac Allister after scoring his side's opening goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022.  (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

And the questions about Ronaldo's future at the club remain.

Ten Hag decided to leave Ronaldo out of his starting lineup after the Portugal star only played 45 minutes in preseason amid reports he wants to leave for a Champions League club.

But it’s clear why Ten Hag wants to keep the 37-year-old forward as United looked much more dangerous with him on the field, although the hosts needed a goalkeeping error to pull a goal back.

Robert Sanchez failed to punch away a corner and then got in the way of Alexis Mac Allister, who tried to clear the ball only to send it into his own