Manchester United -boss Ruben Amorim believes that his team is playing at a higher level than earlier this season.
Yet he acknowledged that the Red Devils “have to take the heat” after a 4-3 defeat against Brentford.
The last loss of United left them in 15th place in the Premier League, although they have a 3-0 lead after the first stage of their Europa League semi-final draw against Athletic Bilbao.
Mason Mount gave Amorim's side the lead with only his second goal for the club, but that was quickly canceled by Luke Shaw's own goal.
Kevin Schad's Double and a goal from Yoanne Wissa placed Brentford 4-1 at a given moment, but Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo took goals for United, who could manage no other wonderful comeback.
Amorim said: “I have no doubt that we play better. So we have to take all the heat. At the moment we lose games in the Premier League.
“We are fighting for the Europa League and Thursday is the most important competition for us.”
The competition form of United is gloomy, with Amorim since his appointment only achieves more victories than the relegated parties.
However, after he had agreed the third-jongest side in the Premier League history with an average age of only 22 years and 270 days, Amorim was impressed by the displays of his young players.
But Amorim was concerned about the suitability of Matthijs de Ligt.
The defender made his first start in a month after the recovery of an earlier injury, but was enforced in the first half after he had demolished Wissa.
Ruben was asked about the early recording #mufc from @mdeligt_04 #bremun
– Manchester United (@manutd) 4 May 2025
With injuries to other defenders, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven, United is stretched when it comes to staff at the back for the last part of the campaign.
Asked about the seriousness of the Dutchman's injury, Amorim said: “I don't know, so I'm really worried – not about Thursday.
“We left Luke Shaw during the break to protect on Thursday and have players, but I am more worried if it is a small or large injury and think about next season.”