Manchester United fans may be clinging to the hope of a Europa League trophy this season, but the domestic situation continues to unravel — and fast.
Just days after their commanding win against Athletic Bilbao in Europe, United were dealt another frustrating Premier League blow, this time by a spirited Brentford side.
The 4-3 defeat at the Gtech Community Stadium leaves United hanging dangerously in 15th place.
While the dream of European glory is alive, their league form tells a completely different story.
Brentford Outshine United on a Celebratory Day
It was “May the Fourth,” known as Star Wars Day among fans, and the Force certainly wasn’t with United.
Brentford looked energetic, sharp, and absolutely up for the occasion.
Their manager, Thomas Frank, must have felt a touch of vindication — not only for the performance but perhaps also because he was once on Ineos’ radar before United hired Ruben Amorim.
In contrast, Amorim’s side looked disjointed and inconsistent, much like they have all season in the league.
His domestic record since arriving in November now reads just six wins in 24 matches — in stark contrast to their excellent European form of seven wins in nine.
Youthful Line-Up Makes History but Lacks Experience
United fielded their youngest-ever Premier League starting XI, with 17-year-old Chido Obi making his debut and breaking Mason Greenwood’s record.
Alongside him, teenagers Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson added to the youthful lineup, which had an average age of just 22 years and 270 days.
Amorim downplayed the pressure on the youngsters ahead of kick-off, saying, “I know it’s important for Chido, but I don’t want a lot of pressure on him.”
But as the match unfolded, it was clear that the inexperience showed at critical moments.
Mason Mount Opens Scoring Before Brentford Hit Back
Despite the shaky start, United actually struck first. A poor clearance from Brentford’s goalkeeper Mark Flekken handed the ball back to United, and Kobbie Mainoo played a clever ball down the left for Alejandro Garnacho.
His low cross found Mason Mount, who coolly finished for just his second Premier League goal in red.
But that would be United’s only shot on goal before halftime — and Brentford made sure to capitalize.
Michael Kayode’s long throw caused chaos in the box, and a deflected Mikkel Damsgaard effort crept past Luke Shaw, who was unfortunately credited with an own goal.
Shortly after, Christian Norgaard and Kayode linked up again before Kayode floated a ball to Kevin Schade, who climbed above Fredricson to head home and make it 2-1.
Brentford Punish United’s Defence with Quickfire Goals
United’s defence didn’t recover in the second half. Schade tormented Fredricson again, only denied by a brilliant reflex save from Altay Bayindir.
The Turkish keeper was also called into action for an unorthodox block from a Damsgaard free kick.
After several substitutions from Amorim, including the introduction of Eriksen and Diallo, United looked to stabilize — but it didn’t last.
Brentford added a third when Bryan Mbuemo crossed for Schade to bag his second header of the day.
Moments later, Brentford struck again with a flowing move involving Jensen, Kayode, and finally Yoane Wissa, who slotted in his 18th Premier League goal of the season to make it 4-1.
Late United Rally Falls Just Short
Just when it looked like Brentford would cruise to victory, United suddenly sprang to life.
Garnacho pulled one back with a beautiful dipping shot after a quick one-two with Eriksen.
Then in added time, Amad Diallo did something similar, cutting inside from the right and firing low through the keeper’s legs.
It was a nervy final few minutes for Brentford, with their earlier four-goal flurry now under threat.
But they held on, and deservedly so, leaving United to lick their wounds.
Amorim Prioritizes Europe as League Form Sinks Further
Amorim made eight changes from the side that beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 midweek, clearly prioritizing Thursday’s second leg in the Europa League semi-final.
But even with a solid lead in that competition, this league form is becoming harder to ignore.
United are now winless in six straight Premier League matches — their worst run since 2015.
If things don’t improve quickly, they could be staring at their lowest league finish in decades, regardless of how things go in Europe.
Young Debuts Offer Hope but Little Immediate Relief
There were positives to take — Chido Obi’s debut, the fight shown in the dying minutes, and glimpses of talent from the younger players.
But make no mistake: this was another frustrating outing in a season that’s become increasingly schizophrenic — superb in Europe, sloppy at home.
What’s Next?
United will now shift focus back to European matters as they welcome Athletic Bilbao to Old Trafford.
They carry a strong lead into the second leg, but questions about their league form — and the long-term future under Amorim — are louder than ever.
Will European glory be enough to gloss over this domestic downfall?