‘He needs money’ - Former Man Utd captain calls for financial backing for Erik ten Hag

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has called for the Red Devils hierarchy to back Erik ten Hag after the opening-day defeat against Brighton and Hove Albion in the Premier League.

Two goals from German midfielder Pascal Gross put the Seagulls in control at Old Trafford and they held on for their first-ever away win against United, despite an Alexis McAllister own-goal giving some hope to ten Hag’s side in the second half.

The former Ajax manager has already added Christian Eriksen, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez to his squad this summer and the trio all made their first competitive appearances in the defeat.

Keane wants to see more new faces added to the United ranks before the end of the transfer window - but admitted there are ‘big, big problems’ at his old club.

He told Sky Sports: “There’s huge issues going on there and that’s what we are talking about.

“It’s a rebuilding job, he needs time, it’s a really bad start for him today but give the man a chance.

“He needs money, he’s got to recruit.  He mentioned before the game about culture, there are issues upstairs at the club, there’s more protests at the club. Big, big problems at United.”

The Red Devils legend praised Brighton for an ‘outstanding’ display, but was left far from impressed by United’s performance that left him ‘hoping for more’ from Ten Hag’s men.

“United were better in the second half, as you’d expect,” he explained. “They had to throw things at Brighton at two goals down, throwing [Cristiano] Ronaldo on was a huge gamble when he’s not fit.  That didn’t work out.

“You were hoping for more from Manchester United, the same shortcomings out of possession, not good enough, gave away bad goals. Credit to Brighton, I thought Brighton were outstanding.”