'It wasn't the defence' - Ten Hag refuses to blame Man Utd defense after Brighton loss

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has insisted his defense was not to blame for their opening day defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford.

The Seagulls found themselves trailing 2-0 at halftime after Pascal Gross scored a brace in the first half.

Ten Hag had opted to leave Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench due to lack of fitness, but brought him on in the second half to positive effect and an Alexis Mac Allister own goal created a taut finish.

Brighton held on for their first-ever away win at Old Trafford, condemning Ten Hag to defeat in his first competitive game in charge of the Red Devils.

However, the former Ajax boss refused to blame his defense for the loss, telling reporters: "It wasn't the defence. You defend as a team and make unnecessary passing mistakes in the middle of land, then they took over.

“We have to improve our organization because we have made appointments and they have to do the work that we have talked about, that they have been appointed to do. That is not what we have done and then we have been punished.

"The same for the second goal, it was totally useless from a ball that was dropped in the corner on the other side. It's not good that you then go on and concede a goal."

Ten Hag also spoke about United's improved performance after Ronaldo entered the fray, while conceding he still has a ways to go before he is at his best.

"It was clear to see that in the second half we were better in midfield, with Christian Eriksen back and Cristiano Ronaldo higher up," added Ten Hag.

"Then we created and [Marcus] Rashford had two really good chances and it's a shame we didn't score to make it 2-2.

"It takes time. You can't force him and a week in training, a little more now, he has to do more to get in shape and this game will help him. The 35 to 40 minutes he had now and now we have a week and he will be better next week."