Sports Desk, Aug 7 (EFE).- Coach Erik Ten Hag's spell at the helm of Manchester United got off to a 2-1 defeat to Brighton as Cristiano Ronaldo started Sunday's game on the bench.

The Dutch coach, who took over in June after a disappointing season, opted to bench the Portuguese star, who has been reportedly seeking a move out of the Old Trafford against the club's wish.

On the official debut of new signings Lisandro Martínez and Christian Eriksen, United conceded two goals over a nine-minute stretch.

Pascal Gross scored a brace for Brighton, first at the half-hour mark off a close-range shot and then in the 39th minute when he seized a deflected ball off the goalkeeper.

Although Ronaldo was sent on the field in the 53rd minute, it was Alexis Mac Allister's own goal that brought Manchester United on the scoreboard in the 68th minute. EFE

© 2022 EFE News Services (U.S.) Inc., source EFE Ingles