Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted that “something has to change” after his side suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in recent club history, crashing out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
United fought back from 2-0 down in the closing stages to force penalties, but eventually lost 12-11 in a marathon shootout that left players, coaches, and fans in shock. The result piles further pressure on Amorim, whose tenure has started with three winless games this season despite the club’s heavy summer investment in a new-look forward line featuring Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.
Amorim cut a dejected figure after the match, admitting his team lacked the fight and mentality required against lower-league opposition. He refused to blame individual players, despite goalkeeper Andre Onana being directly at fault for both of Grimsby’s goals—first beaten at his near post before fumbling a routine cross that gifted a tap-in. Instead, the coach insisted the defeat reflected wider issues within the squad.
“With all due respect, when you play against a fourth-division team, it’s not just about the goalkeeper, it’s about everything,” Amorim explained. “It’s the mentality, the way we approached the game. The signs were there from the first whistle. The best team won.”
What concerned Amorim most was the lack of intensity from his side. United started sluggishly, failing to impose themselves or show urgency until the final minutes. For the coach, that spoke volumes. “The players spoke really loud on the pitch today. They showed what the problem is. When you lose but you see development, it’s different. Today, there was nothing.”
Amorim also made a heartfelt apology to the supporters, acknowledging their frustration. “I am really sorry to the fans. The support they always give us, even in difficult moments, is incredible. Today, we did not repay them.”
With Burnley visiting Old Trafford next, Amorim faces a critical test before the international break. He has hinted at major internal changes to restore discipline and intensity, stressing that another overhaul of the squad is not the answer. For now, Manchester United must regroup quickly, or risk spiraling further into crisis.
