Ruben Amorim has apologised to Manchester United supporters and questioned his players' desire after a stunning Carabao Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town. The League Two side triumphed 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at Blundell Park, ending United's hopes in the competition.
Grimsby took a 2-0 lead into half-time through goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren. United fought back in the second half, with Bryan Mbeumo scoring in the 75th minute and Harry Maguire heading home in the 89th to force penalties. However, Mbeumo missed his second spot-kick in the shootout, handing Grimsby a historic victory.
Amorim did not hold back in his assessment. 'I think this is a little bit the limit,' he said. 'Something has to change. Everything was wrong – the way we started the game, we were not even here. I have to say sorry to our fans. I felt my players spoke really loud today about what they want.'
The manager was asked to elaborate on his final remark but declined, saying only that 'the best team won' and that he would focus on the next match. United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, and Amorim admitted the team has not improved, calling the performance 'the biggest problem' and stating that 'to see the same mistakes' is deeply concerning.
'At half-time, I told them they were speaking really loud to me – I understand what you are doing, what I am seeing. Let's try to change that in the last 45 minutes,' Amorim added. The defeat marks the first time United have lost to a fourth-tier side in the League Cup, leaving the club's hierarchy with serious questions to address.
