Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim feels his team are playing at a higher level than they have shown previously this season.

Yet he acknowledged the Red Devils must "take the heat" after suffering a 4-3 defeat to Brentford.

United's latest loss left them 15th in the Premier League, though they hold a 3-0 lead after the first leg of their Europa League semi-final tie against Athletic Bilbao.

Mason Mount gave Amorim's side the lead with just his second goal for the club but that was quickly cancelled out by Luke Shaw's own goal.

Kevin Schade's double and a goal from Yoanne Wissa put Brentford 4-1 in front at one point, but Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo grabbed goals for United, who could not manage another miraculous comeback.

Amorim said: "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."

United’s league form is dismal, with Amorim only having more victories than the relegated sides since his appointment.

However, having fielded the third-youngest side in Premier League history with an average age of just 22 years and 270 days, Amorim was impressed with the displays of his young players.

But Amorim was concerned for the fitness of Matthijs de Ligt.

The defender was making his first start in a month after recovering from a previous injury but was forced off in the first half after lunging in to close down Wissa.

With injuries to other defenders, Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven, United are stretched when it comes to personnel at the back for the last stretch of the campaign.

When asked about the severity of the Dutchman’s injury, Amorim said: "I don't know so I'm really concerned - not about Thursday.

"We took off Luke Shaw at half-time to protect and have players for Thursday, but I'm more concerned whether it is a small or big injury and thinking about next season."