Pascal Gross gives Erik ten Hag a debut to forget at Old Trafford

Erik ten Hag endured a chastening reminder of the size of the job he has on his hands at Manchester United as his first game in charge ended in a 2-1 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman was brought to the club in the summer to begin a rebuild on the back of a slump that has seen them go five years without winning a trophy and there is not going to be a quick fix.

Starting with Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench, United were thoroughly outplayed in the first half as two Pascal Gross goals in the space of nine minutes gave the Seagulls a deserved lead.

Ten Hag's men did improve after the break once Ronaldo had come on, but only found the back of the net through an Alexis Mac Allister own goal and were unable to get a leveller.

It was a worthy three points for Brighton, who have high expectations this season despite losing key players in the summer, and they enjoyed a first-ever win at Old Trafford.

It was 93 days since the the nadir of Ralf Rangnick's reign saw United hammered 4-0 at the Amex Stadium at the end of last season, but not much has changed on the pitch yet from that afternoon.

Ten Hag has been quick to instil his own methods since his appointment and that continued as he ditched usual routines by moving the team’s pre-match meal to Old Trafford, which left the club having to hastily rearrange plans for some hospitality guests.

But despite their early arrival at the ground, United were caught cold in a hugely disappointing opening 45 minutes and were nearly behind in the opening 15 seconds.

Leandro Trossard pressed Diogo Dalot on the edge of the penalty area, stole possession but could only fire into the side-netting.

Having averted early disaster, it looked like United were going to take control as they forged