From the Dutch manager Eredivisie debut, a brace from Pascal Gross ensured a famous Old Trafford win for the Seagulls.
Ronaldo, who was absent from training for personal reasons for the first few weeks of the summer – while also trying to force a transfer from the club – started the game on the bench for his introduction 53 minutes into the game. 2-1 defeat.
“It takes time, you can’t force it,” he told Sky Sports. “He has been training for a week. He needs to do more to get fit. This game will help and he will be better next week.”
The former Ajax boss added: “It was clear to see that in the second half we were better in midfield, Christian Eriksen down [in midfield and Cristiano Ronaldo up [front].
Cristiano Ronaldo during Sunday’s defeat to Brighton
/ Getty Images“We created and had very good chances. It’s a shame we didn’t score them.”
United will leave for Brentford next Saturday after a bad start to Ten Hag’s reign as manager.
He commented: “Of course it is definitely a setback, a real disappointment. We’re dealing with it.
“I knew from the start that it wasn’t going to be easy. It’s a process, it takes time – but you don’t have time. You have to win matches. We should have done better. We have to analyze it and draw the lessons.”