Roy Keane implored the Manchester United to give Erik ten Hag time and money after the Dutchman's first Premier League game in charge ended in defeat at Old Trafford.
Brighton took a 2-0 half-time lead thanks to two goals from Pascal Gross before United threatened a comeback when Alexis Mac Allister ended up putting the ball in his own net.
But United, even with Cristiano Ronaldo in off the bench, couldn't find an equaliser.
READ MORE: Roy Keane tears into Man United midfield as Brighton take half-time lead
Keane, on punditry duties for Sky Sports, pointed to continuing problems in United's midfield.
He said: "The decision-making and the football intelligence, particularly Fred (I've been on him a long time). Fred and McTominay not good enough - they won't get Man United back competing at the top.
"We see it week in and week out, not enough, not up to it."
The loss was a bad start to ten Hag's reign, but Keane wouldn't make any early judgments on the Dutchman.
"There are huge issues going on there. It's a rebuilding job. He needs time. Really bad start for him today, but give the man a chance, give him money. He has got to recruit.
"He mentioned before the game about the culture. There's issue upstairs in the club. There were more protests from the supporters today. Big, big problems at United."
Earlier Keane bemoaned United's efforts off the ball in the build up to Brighton's two goals.
Keane said: "The big problem for Man United is that out of possession they look so open.
"They started okay and had a great chance - [Bruno] Fernandes has got to hit the target, but after that Brighton have been excellent. Man United are so open, it's untrue.
"We shouldn't been that surprised. We talk about the changes in the team and the personality of the new manager, and of course he will need time.
"But I'll go back to the personalities in the team. The two in the middle of the park [Fred and Scott McTominay] are all over the place.
"For the goals there were gaps everywhere. Out of possession Man United are as poor as any team in the Premier League."
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