Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim launched a scathing attack on his players after they crashed out of the Carabao Cup in a humiliating 12-11 penalty shootout defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town.
The Red Devils, who fielded £200 million worth of new signings in their attack, found themselves 2-0 down at Blundell Park following goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren before late strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire forced penalties. However, Mbeumo’s second spot-kick of the marathon shootout struck the crossbar to seal United’s fate as Grimsby fans invaded the pitch in celebration.
In a remarkable post-match interview, Amorim repeatedly stated his players had “spoken really loud” with their performance and insisted “the best team won” whilst offering grovelling apologies to United supporters. The defeat marks the first time in the club’s history they have been eliminated from a cup competition by a fourth-tier team.
‘The Only Team on the Pitch’
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the match, a visibly agitated Amorim did not hold back in his assessment of United’s shocking display. “In the end, it doesn’t matter if we recover or not, it’s the signs the team gave during the game, the beginning of the game,” he said.
“I think the best team won, the only team that was on the pitch. The best players lose because one team can win against any group of players, and I think the team and the players spoke really loud today, so that’s it. We lost, the best team won.”
When pressed to clarify his cryptic comments about what his players had communicated through their performance, Amorim added: “I think it’s really clear what they spoke, so let’s move on from this day and I think it was clear for everybody what happened today.”
Horror Show at Blundell Park
United’s nightmare began in the 22nd minute when Andre Onana, making his first appearance of the season, allowed Vernam’s strike to squirm through him at his near post. Eight minutes later, the Cameroonian goalkeeper missed his punch at a cross, allowing Warren to tap into an empty net.
Despite dominating possession in the second half, United created little until Mbeumo scored his first goal for the club with 15 minutes remaining, cutting inside to find the bottom corner. Maguire then headed home from a Mason Mount corner in the 89th minute to force penalties.
The shootout went to sudden death after Onana saved Clarke Oduor’s effort and Grimsby goalkeeper Christy Pym denied Matheus Cunha. After both goalkeepers scored their penalties and the shootout reached its 26th kick, Mbeumo stepped up again only to see his effort crash against the crossbar, sparking wild celebrations among the home support.
Apologies to Supporters
Throughout his various post-match interviews, Amorim repeatedly apologised to United’s travelling supporters, acknowledging the unacceptable nature of the performance. “I just want to say I’m really sorry for the fans. The support they gave me, with all the support they help the team. I have nothing to say. I’m really sorry,” he told Sky Sports.
“When you lose but see something new, it’s different. When you see something like today, it’s hard to talk about that. I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want.”
Asked about the most disappointing aspect of the performance, Amorim simply replied: “Everything. The way we started the game we were not even here.”
Record-Breaking Failure
The defeat continues Amorim’s dismal record at Old Trafford, with his 35.6 per cent win rate in all competitions now the lowest by any Manchester United manager in the Premier League era. The Portuguese has won just 16 of his 44 matches since taking charge in November, with United winning only seven of his 29 Premier League games.
United have failed to win consecutive Premier League matches under Amorim and finished last season with a club-record low of 42 points, their lowest total for goals scored (44), and their worst-ever Premier League finish of 15th.
“No, but I’m the manager,” Amorim said when asked if he could believe what he had witnessed. “It should be my job to understand what happened. Again, I’m really sorry for our fans. Let’s focus on the next game.”
‘Something Has to Change’
Looking ahead to Saturday’s Premier League clash with Burnley at Old Trafford, Amorim hinted at significant changes whilst acknowledging the limitations of what can be achieved before Monday’s transfer deadline.
“More than a result, that is the biggest problem in the team,” he said. “I think it was really clear today. Guys, I would like to say very smart things and very important things. I have nothing to say. Nothing to say and that is the biggest problem also.”
He added ominously: “No, you cannot change so much. You cannot change everything in one summer. But you need to win games, you need to not show this kind of performance. I think this is a little bit the limit, so I think something has to change.”
When questioned further on ITV about what needed to change, Amorim cryptically stated: “If we don’t show up, you can feel that something has to change and you are not going to change 22 players again.
Grimsby’s Night of Glory
For Grimsby Town, currently fourth in League Two, it was a night that will live long in the memory. Midfielder Kieran Green revealed their manager’s pre-penalty message: “Going into the penalty shootout, the gaffer said to us, ‘Lads, all the pressure is on them,’ and it was really.”
Grimsby goalkeeper Christy Pym, who admitted to being “half-fuming” as a Manchester United fan himself, proved the hero with his save from Cunha before Mbeumo’s miss sealed the historic victory. The home side will now face Sheffield Wednesday in the third round.
As United prepare for Burnley’s visit, the pressure on Amorim has reached fever pitch, with anything but victory likely to see calls for his dismissal grow louder heading into the international break.
Follow for more updates on Britannia Daily
Image Credit (Shortened)
Rúben Amorim (2024) – by unknown photographer, via Wikimedia Commons.
