Unwanted record shows Manchester United's frail mentality under Ten Hag

Manchester United’s 2-1 loss to Brighton exposed another key aspect of the Red Devils’ problems after Ten Hag’s men fell to another unwanted record in the Premier League.

The Red Devils suffered their first defeat of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, after falling to a disappointing 2-1 reverse against Brighton.

Manchester United had found an equaliser in the second half through Amad Diallo after former Red Devil Danny Welbeck put Brighton in front in the first half but were stunned by a late winner from Joao Pedro in the fifth of seven additional minutes in second-half stoppage time.

Joao Pedro was completely unmarked at the far post in additional time, and he applied a cool finish with his head to give the Seagulls a thrilling three points against Manchester United.

Brighton’s 95th-minute goal not only left the Red Devils with no points to show for their trip to the American Express Community's Stadium but also left them with an unwanted Premier League record.

According to data giants Opta, Manchester United have conceded more winners in the 90th minute and beyond than any other Premier League side since the 2022-23 when Erik Ten Hag joined, than any other Premier League team.

In contrast, Manchester United had only lost to two such goals in the first 30 campaigns in the Premier League.

The unwanted record seems damning of Ten Hag’s influence on the club, and the Dutch manager’s shaky position would have gained little from the latest loss to Brighton.