Manchester United must be more clinical to compete at the top

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag criticised his players and their ability to be clinical in the final third after they lost 2-1 to Brighton in the Premier League.

The Seagulls took the lead through ex-Man Utd man Danny Welbeck, before Amad Diallo netted an equaliser early in the second half.

Both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho had goals chalked off for offsides before Joao Pedro found himself in acres of space to head home a winner in added time.

It will feel like a missed opportunity for Ten Hag’s side, and the Dutch manager admitted his players must do better in the final third going forward.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, he said: “On many occasions we have done very good in situations where we brought the score over the line and take the result.

“Most important is we have an overload, we played overload very good and then it’s about bringing the final pass, bringing the players in tight positions, get the right finish and we did everything well there. It’s, as you describe it, unfortunate.

“Not only counter-attacking but build-up, possession, how we defend.

“So disappointing” 😞

Erik ten Hag reflects on Man Utd’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton with @julesbreach pic.twitter.com/snQcFSRBBk

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“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.”

Ten Hag was also disappointed with the manner in which he side conceded late on.

Brighton had three unmarked men at the back post and there was a clear lack of communication between the defenders.

Ten Hag added: “We didn’t stop the cross.

“There were three players, [Adingra is a] right-footed player. Send him down the line, send him wide instead of letting him come in and let 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.

“That (conceding in added time)’s very disappointing, yeah. 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.”