Manchester United boss Eric ten Haag has admitted that teams with Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch are better.
Ronaldo started off the bench in United's first Premier League match of the season, against Brighton at Old Trafford, coming on in the second half.
Red His Devils got more creative and scored a goal in the 68th minute. A moment of confusion between Seagulls goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and Alexis Mack his Alistar led to the latter's insane own goal.
Ten Hag admitted the participation of the five-time Ballon d'Or winner improved the performance of the Manchester giants.
United boss he told Sky Sports: "In the second half, it was clear that we were better in midfield. Christian Eriksen was down and Cristiano Ronaldo was up.
"We created really good chances. "But we had chances. It's a shame we didn't score."
And Ten Hag is confident Ronaldo's fitness level will improve after he misses pre-season for family reasons.
Dutch added: It takes time, but you can't force it. He has his week of training.
``He has to do more to get in shape. He admitted that the loss was a disappointing start to his United tenure.
JOIN SUN VEGAS: Play Hundreds Of Games & Get £10 Free Bonus No Deposit Required (Ts&Cs Applied
The Seagulls won 2-1 thanks to two goals from Pascal Grosz. Pascal Gross he scored first in the 30th minute and only nine minutes later he scored twice.
Ten Hag said: It's a process and it takes time, but you don't have time.
"We have to win the game. We should have done better. We have to analyze it and learn lessons."
