Ten Hag bemoans wasted Man Utd opportunities in 'annoying' defeat

The Red Devils’ Champions League hopes suffered a setback on Thursday by losing to Brighton.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag expressed frustration with the team’s “annoying” last-minute loss to Brighton on Thursday evening.

In the dying moments of the game, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister scored from the penalty spot in response to Luke Shaw’s handball, which was detected by VAR intervention.

This 1-0 defeat has a significant impact on United’s top-four aspirations, leaving them just four points ahead of Liverpool, who currently sit in fifth place – although the Red Devils still have a game in hand.

“Every defeat is a disappointment but in the end when you lose in the last second, that is of course annoying,” Ten Hag said after the final whistle.

“And I think the first minute sums everything up. We create a good chance, [but] we were not clinical enough, then in the attack after we concede a big chance by a giveaway from us, the ball on the head for David.

“And in the end, we also gave away the goal and that’s annoying because if you can’t win because you don’t finish your opportunities then don’t lose.”