Erik ten Hag says Manchester United gave away ‘two soft goals’ in Brighton defeat and ‘should act better’

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag criticised his team for conceding two "avoidable" goals in their defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday. Joao Pedro scored a 95th-minute winner to snatch victory in dramatic fashion as United fell to their first loss of the season. “It’s very disappointing,” Ten Hag told TNT Sports. "We conceded two soft goals where we should act better as a team."

Highlights: Joao Pedro scores late and Welbeck claims 100th career goal as Brighton beat Man Utd

Video credit: TNT Sports

Erik ten Hag was left frustrated following Manchester United’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion and demanded that his side “act better” in the future.

The Seagulls claimed a dramatic 2-1 victory in 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler’s first home game in charge when Joao Pedro headed home a 95th-minute winner.

Amad Diallo had earlier cancelled out an opener from Danny Welbeck, who scored his fifth goal against his old club to register his 100th career strike.

Premier League

How to watch Forest v Arsenal on TNT Sports and discovery+

10/09/2025 at 16:42

After the game, Ten Hag told TNT Sports that both of the goals his side conceded were “soft” and should have been prevented.

“It’s very disappointing,” the deflated United boss said. “Especially when for long parts of the game you have control.

“We controlled the game in possession and we were doing so well. We [conceded] two unnecessary goals, very avoidable.”

‘We should act better’ - Ten Hag furious as Man Utd concede ‘two soft goals’ in Brighton defeat

Video credit: TNT Sports

He added: “That is our feeling. We conceded two soft goals where we should act better as a team.

“We have to talk, we have to be aligned in such moments [and know] what to do. Everyone knows the job and as a team, we protect our goal.”

Ferdinand pleased with Man Utd ‘improvement’

Despite Ten Hag’s verdict of The Red Devils’ leakiness at the back on Saturday, former United centre-back Rio Ferdinand did not wholly agree with the Dutch boss.

He told TNT Sports that the team looked improved and had “more control” and “a bit of stability” in defence.

“I think there’s definitely an improvement in the shape and the structure of the team,” he said. “Man Utd don’t look like an open team.

“I was sitting here last season with my hands on my head at various moments in games where we were being sliced open at will and teams were just coming to Old Trafford and having 22 shots, 25 shots.

“That isn’t the case in the last two games. There’s more control, there’s a bit of stability but still room for improvement, obviously.”