Man Utd 1-3 Brighton: Erik ten Hag insists his side are not in crisis after Old Trafford defeat

Brighton easily defeated Man Utd 3-1 at Old Trafford on Saturday, making it the hosts’ third loss in five league matches. This is their worst start to a season in 34 years. Erik ten Hag explains that he substituted Rasmus Hojlund because he cannot play the entire 90 minutes.

Erik ten Hag is confident that Manchester United can recover from their current situation if they stay focused on their strategy.

Man Utd lost 3-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford. It was their third defeat in five league games, which is their worst start in 34 years.

The fans at Old Trafford jeered their team after a disappointing performance. This came after a break where Antony and Jadon Sancho were not included in the starting lineup.

Ten Hag thought Man Utd were unlucky when VAR disallowed a goal by Rasmus Hojlund in the first half because the ball went out of play before the goal was scored. However, he also expressed worries about his team’s recent results.

“We must stick together and stick to the plan and the rules and we will turn this around,” Ten Hag said.

He added: “It bothers me [the form], but I have to see the way we play. It’s about character, we have to see how strong we are and how the team sticks together. Players standing up and showing character because in all the games, especially the game today [Saturday] and against Arsenal and Forest, we have seen we can play well and create chances.

“But we also have some improvements to make and we have to step up.”

Hojlund, a new player, was substituted in the second half for Martial, who had only scored two goals in his last 15 games. At that time, Manchester United was losing 2-0 and trying to make a comeback.

The Old Trafford crowd booed the decision but then applauded Hojlund’s impressive performance in his first home game after moving from Atalanta for £72m.

Ten Hag took precautions with Hojlund, who joined the club with a stress fracture in his back. However, he made it clear that there were no hard feelings towards Martial.

“I think it was positive,” he said. “You see from the fans in first moment at Old Trafford, the reception was great. Hojlund performed very well, good that they gave this signal, this message will give Rasmus belief. He came in with small issue, he’s not ready for a whole game.

“If Hojlund gets injured because he is not capable to play 90 minutes, then we are much further away from where we want to go.”

Ten Hag added: “The booing was because Rasmus came off. But I think Martial last year when he played, he had a positive effect on our games… when he is fit, he will contribute. He is not top fit at this moment, but he is improving. When he is 100 per cent fit, he will contribute like last season.”