Ruben Amorim has apologised to Manchester United fans and admitted 'something has to change' after his side suffered a humiliating penalty shootout defeat to League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup. The fourth-tier side led 2-0 at half-time through goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren, before United forced extra time with strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire. However, Mbeumo missed his second penalty in the shootout, and Grimsby won 12-11.
Amorim described the result as 'the limit' and questioned his players' desire. 'Everything was wrong. The way we started the game, we were not even here,' he said. 'I felt my players spoke really loud today about what they want.' The Portuguese manager added: 'I just have to say sorry to our fans. Football was really fair today. The best team won.'
United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, and Amorim admitted the team has not improved. 'That is more than a result. That is the biggest problem in the team,' he said. 'To see the same mistakes – it's too much sometimes. You cannot change everything in one summer, but you need to win games and not show this kind of performance.'
The defeat marks the first time Manchester United have lost to fourth-tier opposition in the Carabao Cup. Amorim now faces a critical period as he looks to turn around the club's fortunes.
