Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued an apology to fans after his side suffered a humiliating Carabao Cup exit at the hands of fourth-tier Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.
United looked to have escaped with late drama when Harry Maguire scored an 89th-minute header to level the game 2-2, after a dreadful first-half display left them trailing by two goals.
However, a tense penalty shootout ended 12-11 in Grimsby’s favour, with new signing Bryan Mbeumo – who had earlier sparked United’s comeback – hitting the crossbar with his spot-kick.
Amorim: “I Just Have to Say Sorry to Our Fans”
Amorim did not hold back in his assessment, openly criticising his team’s lack of fight.
“Everything went wrong. The way we started, we were not even here,” Amorim admitted.
“When everything is so important at our club, and we put on this kind of performance, it’s a big problem. I just have to say sorry to our fans.”
The Portuguese coach hinted at deeper issues within the squad, cryptically stating that the players had “spoke really loud today what they want” – suggesting a lack of motivation against the League Two side.
Despite being eliminated on penalties, Amorim said:
“Doesn’t matter that it was penalties. Football was fair today. The best team won.”
Onana’s Nightmare Return
Goalkeeper Andre Onana endured a disastrous evening on his return, at fault for both Grimsby goals:
- Beaten at his near post for the opener.
- Failed to claim a cross, which ex-United academy player Tyrell Warren converted for 2-0.
Amorim, however, refused to pin the defeat on his goalkeeper alone:
“It’s not about Andre. With all due respect, this is a fourth-division team. It’s more than just the goalkeeper.”
What Next for United?
The shock defeat leaves Manchester United’s hopes of silverware this season resting largely on the FA Cup, with their league form also under scrutiny after picking up just one point from their opening two Premier League matches.
Amorim concluded:
“You cannot change everything in one summer. You need to win games and not show this kind of performance. I think this is a little bit the limit.”
Key Takeaways
- United knocked out of Carabao Cup by Grimsby Town (League Two).
- Defeat came after 12-11 penalty shootout loss.
- Amorim apologises, saying “fans deserve better.”
- Onana criticised for mistakes but Amorim says issues run deeper.
- FA Cup now United’s best chance of silverware this season.
