Ruben Amorim apologised to fans and questioned his players' desire after Manchester United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by fourth-tier Grimsby Town in a penalty shootout. The League Two side led 2-0 at half-time through goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren, before United forced extra time via Bryan Mbeumo's 75th-minute strike and Harry Maguire's header in the 89th minute. However, Mbeumo missed his second penalty in the shootout, and Grimsby won 12-11.
Amorim described the defeat as 'the limit' and insisted 'something has to change'. He said: 'Everything was wrong. The way we started the game, we were not even here. I just have to say sorry to our fans. I felt my players spoke really loud today about what they want.'
The Portuguese manager admitted his side has not improved since last season's record-low 15th-place Premier League finish. 'That is more than a result. That is the biggest problem in the team. To see the same mistakes... It's too much sometimes,' he said.
Amorim added that the defeat was a clear indication of the team's problems, saying: 'I think football was really fair today. The best team won.' He now faces the task of lifting his squad for the weekend's match, with an international break to follow.
