What Christian Eriksen told Manchester United teammates in dressing room about defensive problem

Christian Eriksen has pointed out that Manchester United are liable to be caught out in the opening seconds of matches, a weakness Tom Heaton wants to eradicate before the start of the season.

A mostly second-string United side took on Spanish outfit Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in the final friendly of pre-season at Old Trafford. The match finished 1-1, with Amad grabbing the goal for Erik ten Hag's side, but United were fortunate not to find themselves behind after less than 10 seconds.

Straight from the kick-off, Vallecano caught United's defence out as they faked to hit it long but instead played a brilliant through ball to eventual goal scorer Alvaro Garcia, who called Heaton into immediate action as he made a great save at his near post.

Also read: United player ratings vs Vallecano

In the dressing room, new signing Eriksen pointed out that he caught United out in a similar fashion when playing for Brentford last season when he played a great pass after just five seconds to put a forward through on goal, even if the Bees were thankfully unable to take advantage.

Heaton wants the side to work on that blind spot before the season begins on Sunday against Brighton. "Yeah I did," Heaton told MUTV when it was said he was forced into an early save. "It was a little bit of a red herring from them down the right-hand side as if they were going to play it long, come back the other way and slip it in behind.

"We weren't alive to it unfortunately and the guy came through and created a chance. Interestingly, Christian mentioned about Brentford doing it to us last year I think very early on so it's something we might have to have a look at and make sure we get right before we kick off next weekend."

READ NEXT: