Erik ten Hag described Manchester United's dire opening-day defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion as "a real disappointment", as he backed wantaway striker Cristiano Ronaldo to improve following his second-half cameo.
Ten Hag's United tenure got off to a nightmare start as Brighton claimed their first ever win at Old Trafford at the 15th attempt, with Pascal Gross scoring a first-half brace before an Alexis Mac Allister own goal set up a tense finish.
But the Seagulls held on for a memorable victory as Ten Hag became the first United boss – including caretakers – to lose his first Premier League match at the helm since Louis van Gaal did so against Swansea City in August 2014.
With Ronaldo starting on the bench, United faced 12 shots and managed just five of their own in the first half of the contest as Brighton produced a polished display, with this just the third time one of Ten Hag's teams have conceded 12 attempts before the break in 229 top-flight matches.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the demoralising defeat, Ten Hag bemoaned United's lack of defensive organisation and called for them to improve quickly.
"Of course, it's definitely a setback, a real disappointment, and we have to deal with it," he said.
"I knew from the start it would not be easy, it's a process, it takes time but you don't have time. You have to win games and we should have done better.
"I analysed it and it's unnecessary, we gave two easy balls away, and in think in our organisation there was a big mistake, but that happens, we have to take the lessons.
"I'm not satisfied, I'm totally not happy because we lost and it was unnecessary, we should have done things better. I think also with those players, we could have done better."
United's shot count did improve with 12 attempts in the second half, as Ronaldo's 53rd-minute introduction allowed debutant Christian Eriksen to drop into a deeper position after he started in a false nine role.
Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford remains uncertain after he reportedly professed his desire to leave in search of Champions League football, but Ten Hag was happy with his contribution from the bench and is backing the 37-year-old to improve as he gains match fitness.
"It's clear to see that in the second half we were better in midfield, with Christian Eriksen down and then Cristiano Ronaldo up," he added.
"Then we created. I think [Marcus] Rashford had two very good chances, and it's a pity we didn't score for 2-2.
"It takes time, you cannot force it, and he [Ronaldo] is now one week in training. He has to do more to get fit, this game will help him, the 35-40 minutes he had now, and he will be better next week."
United's next Premier League outing sees them travel to Brentford next Saturday.
Ange Postecoglou has not had discipline talk with Cristian Romero after red card
Ange Postecoglou is pleased to have Tottenham vice-captain Cristian Romero back from suspension for the visit of West Ham, but has not felt the need to speak with the defender about his discipline.
Romero was sent off in Spurs’ costly 4-1 loss at home to Chelsea on November 6, which resulted in the Argentina international serving a three-match ban.
It was Romero’s fourth red card during his 75-game Tottenham career and, while he is recognised as a fine centre-back, the occasional rush of blood has proved costly.
Postecoglou said: “I’ve not had to have a word with (him) about discipline. It’s part of who he is as a player, he brings a physicality to it.
“When he oversteps mark the whole group pays a price so it’s up to him to maintain discipline I know he can show, but more importantly he’s such a strong presence on the field and in during the week, so good to have him back.
“His training has been good but he’s been frustrated because – not just the fact he has missed out – but he has understood the situation we’ve been in.
“It was not like he was the only one missing. All of a sudden post-Chelsea we lost Micky (Van de Ven), we lost Destiny (Udogie), we lost pretty much our whole back four, we lost Madders (James Maddison) and he knows how important he is.
“He was frustrated and he had the international week which was good for him because he got a couple of games in there and away from here, but he’s been ready to go.
“The last week he has trained really well and I know he is happy and I know the rest of the group are happy to have him back in.”
Romero’s return was always going to boost Spurs, but occurs at a time where their fringe centre-backs are also suffering fitness issues.
Youngster Ash Phillips sustained an ankle injury last month, while Eric Dier is absent for the foreseeable future with a groin problem he picked up last week.
“Romero’s the only recognised centre-half fit at the moment because Micky van de Ven, Eric Dier and Ashley Phillips are all out,” Postecoglou added.
“At this stage, because Eric hasn’t trained for over a week now and we’re working on the issue, I assume when he does get back, he’ll need a bit of time. It’s a groin issue.”
Spurs are set to be without Pape Sarr (hamstring) for the midweek clash with West Ham, but the midfielder could return for Sunday’s visit of Newcastle.
Meanwhile, Postecoglou played down speculation Maddison could be out until February with his ankle injury after the England international told Amazon Prime this week he could be out until beyond his anticipated January return date.
He added: “I’m not sure about James’ medical qualifications, whether we should go with his diagnosis. I’ll leave it to the medical team. As far as I know, it’s going along OK.”
Tottenham entertain West Ham after battling back to earn an excellent point at Manchester City, which ended their three-match losing run.
Postecoglou added: “I don’t like losing, it doesn’t sit well with me and I like winning, but for me last week was not about getting a result, it is the manner in which you do it.
“While it has been three losses and the draw last week, I still think our performances are the most important thing that sustains you through that period.”
Liam Boyce extends Hearts stay as club tease further news
Liam Boyce has extended his current deal at Hearts until the summer of 2025 with Jambos fans told to “watch this space” for more good signing news.
The 32-year-old Northern Ireland striker has returned to the first-team fold following a lengthy injury lay-off and his appearances this season have triggered a year’s option in his contract.
Boyce joined Hearts in January, 2020 and has scored 36 times in 107 appearances.
Sporting director Joe Savage told the club’s official website: “Boycie’s contract extension is great news and a testament to his drive and determination.
“Our plan was always to give him the time he needed to come back feeling fit and then reintegrate him into the first-team scene.
“There was never any pressure, it was about making sure Boycie had the best chance to get back to the level he’s capable of.
“I think everybody can see he’s achieved that. He’s an influential player on and off the pitch so for him to trigger his contract extension is pleasing for everyone.
“There’s been lots of positivity around the club recently thanks to the first-team’s winning run, moving up to third in the league and also Steven (Naismith) and Lawrence Shankland’s awards (manager and player of the month for November respectively) and Boycie’s contract extension adds to it and we’re hopeful of sorting out a few more, so watch this space.”
Naismith said: “Boycie’s experience is invaluable inside the dressing room and we’re all delighted that he’s going to be here for a further year.
“I know from experience how difficult it is to return from a long-term injury but he has taken everything in his stride and you can see when he’s out on the pitch that it’s not affected him, he’s a quality player.
“Competition for places is fierce and having top talent like Boycie challenging for a spot only helps push standards even higher.”
Government stops short of introducing Hillsborough Law in response to report
The Government has stopped short of introducing a Hillsborough Law called for by campaigners in its response to a report into the experiences of the bereaved families.
Former bishop of Liverpool the Right Rev James Jones set out 25 learning points in his report The Patronising Disposition of Unaccountable Power, published in November 2017 following inquests into the deaths at the 1989 FA Cup semi-final in Sheffield – where 97 Liverpool FC fans died.
In a response published on Wednesday, the Government said it had signed up to a Hillsborough Charter, pledging to place the public interest above its own reputation, but said a “Hillsborough Law” incorporating a legal duty of candour was not necessary.
In the foreword to the report, Home Secretary James Cleverly and Justice Secretary Alex Chalk acknowledged the response had taken “too long, compounding the agony of the Hillsborough families and survivors”.
They added: “For this we are deeply sorry.”
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “The Hillsborough families have suffered multiple injustices and more than 34 years later there can never be too many apologies for what they have been through.
“And I want to repeat that apology today and thank the Hillsborough families for their tenacity, patience and courage.”
In his 2017 report, Mr Jones called for the Government to give “full consideration” to a “Hillsborough Law” or Public Authority (Accountability) Bill, which would include a legal duty of candour on public authorities and officials to tell the truth and proactively co-operate with official investigations and inquiries.
But the response stated the Government was “not aware” of any gaps in legislation or clarifications needed that would further encourage a culture of candour among public servants in law.
It is understood the Government believes that adopting the duty of candour would risk “creating conflict and confusion” because of the framework of duties and obligations already developed since the disaster.
In 2021, retired officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster and former force solicitor Peter Metcalf, who were accused of amending statements to minimise the blame on South Yorkshire Police after the tragedy, were acquitted of perverting the course of justice when a judge ruled there was no case to answer.
Mr Justice William Davis said the amended statements were intended for a public inquiry into safety at sports grounds led by Lord Justice Taylor, but that was not a course of public justice.
In its report, the Government said the families and survivors were “entirely justified” in their frustration with the evasiveness they experienced from public officials.
But it said much had changed in terms of expectations and requirements on public officials since 1989.
It said that “continuing to drive and encourage a culture of candour among public servants” was essential and an important part of the Hillsborough Charter, which Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden had signed on behalf of the Government.
The charter for families bereaved through public tragedy was proposed by Mr Jones in his report, in which he said “substantial change” was needed in the culture of public bodies.
Leaders of public bodies who sign up to the charter commit to place the public interest above their own reputations, approach forms of public scrutiny – including public inquiries and inquests – with candour and avoid seeking to defend the indefensible.
Other organisations which have already signed up to the charter include the National Police Chiefs’ Council, College of Policing, Crown Prosecution Service and Kensington and Chelsea Council, the report said.
The Government response also states that it will consult on expanding the provision of legal aid for inquests following public disasters.
Inquests into the deaths at the match, played between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest on April 15 1989, concluded in 2016 and found that fans were unlawfully killed and errors by the police and ambulance service caused or contributed to their deaths.
The match commander on the day, David Duckenfield, was charged with gross negligence manslaughter in 2017 but he was cleared in 2019 at a retrial, after the jury in his first trial was unable to reach a verdict.
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