Erik ten Hag defends key Manchester United selection vs Brighton

Erik ten Hag does not believe his decision to start Christian Eriksen up front in a strikerless formation had a major bearing on Manchester United's demoralising defeat to Brighton.

United lost their opening fixture for only the seventh time in the Premier League era in a 2-1 reverse as Pascal Gross's goals secured Brighton's first-ever win at Old Trafford.

Ten Hag played Eriksen, a playmaker also adept at playing in midfield, up front to offset the absence of the injured Anthony Martial despite the presence of Cristiano Ronaldo and Anthony Elanga on the bench.

Also read: Lack of transfers is an issue but Ten Hag's decision backfired vs Brighton

United improved in the second-half when Ten Hag introduced Ronaldo for Fred in the 53rd minute and Eriksen moved to a deeper role.

"When it was available, the striker (Martial), I would have played him," Ten Hag said. "Cristiano Ronaldo is now maybe for 10 days team training, that's too short for 90 minutes and that's the reason we didn't start him.

"Of course, we trained quite well and I think we made passing mistakes in building up, so that is nothing to do with either playing with a false nine or a typical No.9.

"I think [Eriksen] can play in more positions because we didn't have a typical No.9 I knew at Ajax a long time ago he played as a striker, dropping in, and I wanted to keep Jadon and Marcus on the wings, inside they were really good in pre-season.

"Finally, Christian Eriksen is the best in midfield and that was also the idea that he drops, gets between the lines and brings the game"

Ten Hag felt United started the game well and Bruno Fernandes spurned a gilt-edged chance at 0-0 before Pascal Gross tapped in from Danny Welbeck's cross to put Brighton 1-0 up.

The