Amorim Defends United's Youthful Lineup Despite Record Loss

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim defends fielding a youthful lineup in a record 16th Premier League loss, prioritizing the Europa League campaign.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim defended his decision to field the club's youngest-ever Premier League lineup, which averaged just 22 years old, in Sunday's 4-3 loss to Brentford. United suffered their club-record 16th Premier League defeat but Amorim prioritized the Europa League campaign.

⏹️ A narrow defeat on the road.#MUFC || #BREMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 4, 2025

Amorim rested senior players for the Europa League semi-final second leg against Athletic Bilbao, where United holds a 3-0 lead. “We as a club need to understand in this moment we have a big responsibility. We have to prepare a squad for different competitions,” he said, emphasizing the club's focus on European success.

“I have no doubt that we are playing better. So we have to take all the heat. At this moment we are losing games in the Premier League. We are fighting for the Europa League and Thursday is the most important game for us.

“It is good for the players that everyone is playing... We want to be competitive. It is really hard, but we are doing the best we can.”

Manchester United's sole chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season hinges on winning the Europa League, and Ruben Amorim emphasized the importance of this goal. However, he acknowledged that his squad isn't yet ready for the demands of both the Premier League and Champions League. “We are not ready to play Premier League competitively and be in the Champions League, but we need to win and we need to win this competition to give something to our fans,” he said. “Then we will have time to prepare the team to cope with those two competitions.”

Amorim expressed concern over Matthijs de Ligt's injury and revealed he substituted Luke Shaw at halftime to “protect and have players for Thursday,” prioritizing the Europa League semi-final.

“The season we've had in the Premier League is something we need to look at massively,” he said.

Ruben was asked about @MDeLigt_04's early withdrawal 👇#MUFC || #BREMUN

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 4, 2025

“But if we can get into the final and win that, it's a positive end to the season.”