Manchester United endured one of their most humiliating defeats in recent memory as they fell to League Two side Grimsby in the Carabao Cup, losing 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Ruben Amorim’s team were two goals behind inside the first half-hour and could easily have been further adrift before late strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire forced a shootout. The contest went deep into sudden death after Matheus Cunha failed to convert the winning kick, but it was Mbeumo who ultimately struck the crossbar to seal United’s fate.
Speaking afterwards, Amorim admitted his players never looked settled. “We started without any energy, we were completely lost,” he said. “The better team won. I think what happened was clear to everyone. We have to move on and prepare for the weekend.”
Pressure mounting on the portuguese coach
Appointed after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal, Amorim had been seen by many inside the club as a bold appointment capable of turning fortunes around. Supporters had also echoed that optimism, expecting improvement following last season’s 15th-place league finish, their lowest since 1974.
Despite heavy investment in the summer, including the £74m arrival of Benjamin Sesko and Andre Onana’s return in goal, the performance at Blundell Park suggested the same issues remain. Amorim has collected only a 24.1% win ratio in the Premier League, a figure matching Neil Warnock’s during his relegation-stricken spells. A home defeat to Burnley this weekend would intensify the scrutiny.
“I’m really sorry for the fans,” Amorim added. “I don’t have answers. We played well against Arsenal and should have beaten Fulham, but tonight was not acceptable.”
Pundits question selections and goalkeeper form
Former professionals were quick to criticize both the approach and individuals. Andre Onana, restored in place of Altay Bayindir, was blamed for both goals conceded. “I don’t know what Onana is doing,” said Dion Dublin. “That attempt for the second goal was half-hearted.” Chris Sutton added: “How can Amorim trust him after that? What an embarrassment for Manchester United.”
Others pointed at Amorim’s team selection, with eight changes from the previous match. “If I were in his position, I would have fielded my strongest side and only rotated later,” Sutton remarked. “That decision will haunt him.”
Phil Jones and Jobi McAnuff, speaking on Sky Sports, were also critical of Amorim’s rigid tactical shape. McAnuff highlighted United’s lack of attacking support for Matthijs de Ligt, while Jones argued the persistence with a back five even against deep-defending opposition was “baffling.”
With one of their two likely trophy chances already gone, Amorim faces rising doubts about both his system and authority at Old Trafford.
