Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim has conceded that his side are not currently equipped to compete at the highest level in both the Premier League and the Champions League, as the club slumped to a record-equalling 16th league defeat of the season with a 4-3 loss at Brentford.
The result confirmed United’s lowest league finish in 35 years, mathematically consigning them to a bottom-half placing — a far cry from the club’s historic expectations.
Despite making eight changes and fielding the third-youngest team in Premier League history, Amorim’s focus was clearly on Thursday’s Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Club, with United holding a 3-0 aggregate advantage. Victory in the competition would offer United not just silverware but also a backdoor route into next season’s Champions League — a scenario Amorim admits presents the club with a “real dilemma”.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Portuguese manager said:
“We are not ready to play in the Premier League, be competitive, and to be in the Champions League. We know that, but we need to win, and we need to fight to win this competition, to give something to our fans, and to go to the Champions League.”
Amorim added that while he sees progress in the team’s understanding of his philosophy, it’s clear United are still in transition.
“I have no doubts that we are playing better, and we are understanding the way we play, even in this context. So, we have to take all the hits.”
The match at Brentford saw a youthful United side pushed to the limit, with defensive frailties once again exposed. However, Amorim insisted that the club’s current priority must be Europe.
“We are losing games in the Premier League, we are fighting for the Europa League, so we need to accept that and to think about Thursday as the most important game for us.”
Amorim’s candid assessment is likely to resonate with fans who have seen flashes of improvement but remain frustrated by inconsistency and underachievement. With Champions League qualification hanging in the balance and a rebuild still underway, United face a defining summer — win or lose in Europe