'There was more than one mistake' - Erik ten Hag criticises Man Utd defenders for role in Brighton's late winner

Pedro headed home a 95th-minute winner to inflict the season's first defeat on United after Amad Diallo cancelled out Danny Welbeck's winner. An unchallenged Simon Adingra swung in a cross, with full-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui both culpable in allowing the winger to cut inside. The striker made no mistake to score, leaving Ten Hag frustrated with his players.

"We didn't stop the cross," Ten Hag said. "There were three players [around Adingra], and he's a right-footed player. We should have forced him down the line, kept him wide, instead of letting him cut inside and deliver the cross. We have, of course, to talk about this, how we act in that situation as a team. There were more than one mistake on that occasion and it has a big impact on the score."

Pedro's 95th-minute strike was not an isolated incident; it was the sixth time in two years that Manchester United has conceded a goal after the 90th minute under Ten Hag's management. No other Premier League club has suffered as many late-game losses in that period, a worrying trend that Ten Hag acknowledged but was quick to defend.

"Conceding in added time] is very disappointing, yeah," he admitted. "Because in the Community Shield, we concede just before time, we should be more clinical in such situations, read the game, take the point if you can't win any more. We were close to winning this game but definitely don't lose the game.

"I think we also often did the right things, that we often had success. For instance, when we win the trophies and there were many other big games we take the points. On this occasion today we should do better. On many occasions, we have done very well in situations where we brought the score over the line and took the result."

Despite the disappointing result, Ten Hag found some positives in United's performance, particularly in the first half.

"Not only counter-attacking but build-up, possession, how we defend," he added. "I have seen some good parts, there were parts in the game, especially the second part, we should keep more control in the game. But there were very good parts but we have to build up, be more clinal, and be more aggressive."

With a crucial match against Liverpool looming on September 1 at Old Trafford, Ten Hag will have to get back to the drawing board. He will need to address the defensive vulnerabilities and improve the game management if they are to secure a positive result against their fierce rivals. The pressure is undoubtedly mounting on the Dutchman, who will be keen to avoid a repeat of the late collapses that have plagued United in recent times.