Football / Sports

Pascal Gross double ruins Ten Hag’s Old Trafford bow

Pascal Gross netted a first-half brace to inspire Brighton to a deserved 2-1 win over Manchester United and ruin Erik ten Hag’s maiden Premier League outing.

Ten Hag named Cristiano Ronaldo on the bench at Old Trafford and his players were left floundering by Gross’ close-range expertise as the German midfielder took his career tally against United to six. A scrappy own-goal from Alexis MacAllister reduced the arrears but, even with Ronaldo on the field as a second-half substitute, the sort of late rally often synonymous with United on their home ground never materialized.

The Seagulls follow the torpor at Old Trafford

“Let’s give Brighton some credit before criticizing Manchester United,” Roy Keane said on Sky Sports at half-time, before immediately speaking in scathing terms about his old club. And that’s what probably hurts the most for United today: it’s all so familiar. There were shades of Louis van Gaal’s debut defeat to Swansea City in 2013, which followed a preseason of hope, renewal and optimism. At least everyone is a little bit longer in the tooth now.

Keane’s sentiment was correct. On paper, this is the 20-time champions of England losing to a team that has traditionally resided a good distance away from the top division. But Brighton are a problem for anyone on their day. When Pep Guardiola refers to them as “A Graham Potter team” it speaks volumes of the esteem in which the Albion boss is held by his most celebrated colleagues.

Brighton had a look at the puzzle they had to solve for the first 10 minutes or so, then proceeded to take United to the cleaners, with each delicate pass, turn and switch of play pricking at wounds that have understandably not healed after United’s dire 2021/22.

Reality check for Ten Hag

Potter reverted to a back three in Brighton’s final preseason friendly and stuck with that ploy to fine effect here, mitigating against the effect of losing Marc Cucurella for blockbusting money. A couple of seasons of calm, clear management and a defined …

Football / Sports

Manchester United appoint Erik ten Hag as new Manager

Manchester United have announced the appointment of Erik ten Hag as Men’s First Team Manager, subject to work visa requirements.

The appointment takes effect from the end of this season until June 2025, with the option to extend for a further year.

John Murtough, Football Director, said: “During the past four years at Ajax, Erik has proved himself to be one of the most exciting and successful coaches in Europe, renowned for his team’s attractive, attacking football and commitment to youth.

“In our conversations with Erik leading up to this appointment, we were deeply impressed with his long-term vision for returning Manchester United to the level we want to be competing at, and his drive and determination to achieve that. “We wish Erik the best of luck as he focuses on achieving a successful end to the season at Ajax and look forward to welcoming him to Manchester United this summer.”

Erik ten Hag said: “It is a great honor to be appointed manager of Manchester United and I am hugely excited by the challenge ahead. I know the history of this great club and the passion of the fans, and I am absolutely determined to develop a team capable of delivering the success they deserve.

“It will be difficult to leave Ajax after these incredible years, and I can assure our fans of my complete commitment and focus on bringing this season to a successful conclusion before I move to Manchester United.”…