Manchester United’s disappointing domestic season continued with a 4-3 defeat at Brentford, marking their 16th Premier League loss of the campaign. Despite the result, manager Ruben Amorim remained focused on the club’s European ambitions, particularly the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Athletic Club, where they hold a 3-0 advantage.
Amorim made eight changes to the starting lineup, fielding a side that was one of the youngest in Premier League history. The decision was clearly made with an eye on the upcoming midweek fixture, and while the defeat was a blow, he defended the heavy rotation.
“It’s stressful to lose games,” he acknowledged, “but when we’re fighting for a title, that’s not stressful.” He emphasized the need for squad management across multiple competitions and expressed confidence in the young players gaining valuable experience. “You can train with the first team, but nothing compares to playing alongside them, feeling the intensity, and understanding the pace of the game.”
The match took a further toll on United’s resources when Matthijs de Ligt was forced off in the first half with what appeared to be a serious injury. Amorim admitted uncertainty over the defender’s condition but hoped it was not severe. “We will see,” he said. “We took a risk with Maguire and had to take off Shaw as we’re thinking ahead to Thursday.”
Brentford, on the other hand, were full of energy and purpose. The hosts were dominant for large periods and exploited United’s youthful backline with clinical attacking play. Kevin Schade was among the standout performers, netting during a rampant display from the home side. United rallied late on, closing the gap in the final minutes, but the fightback was too little, too late.
Brentford’s victory lifted them to ninth place in the table and kept their hopes of European football alive. Their manager praised the team’s recent form, pointing to a strong run of results that has given them belief heading into the final stretch of the season. “We definitely have momentum,” he said. “There’s a flow to our game, and we’re playing well. We need to keep that up. The next game, away at Ipswich, is crucial.”
For United, the loss added further scrutiny to a turbulent league campaign marked by inconsistency and injury setbacks. Yet Amorim’s post-match comments reflected a longer-term view, centered on building depth and preparing a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. The decision to prioritize the Europa League semi-final was a clear indication of where the club sees its most realistic opportunity for silverware and redemption.
As United look ahead to their European challenge, the pressure mounts to deliver a result that can provide some relief from domestic struggles. For Brentford, the win adds momentum and optimism, as they aim to turn a solid season into a truly memorable one. Both teams, though at very different stages in their journeys, left the pitch with eyes firmly on what comes next.
