Amorim Apologises To Fans After Man United’s Shock League Cup Exit To Grimsby

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim issued a heartfelt apology to fans following a shocking League Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.

Despite fighting back from a two-goal deficit and equalising through Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute header, United were eliminated in a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout at Blundell Park. Bryan Mbeumo missed the final spot-kick, hitting the crossbar and sealing the upset.

Grimsby, spirited and dominant in several phases of the match, fully deserved the win as they outplayed and outfought their Premier League opponents.

Amorim, who has faced increasing pressure since taking charge last season, suggested post-match that the problems run deeper than just the result.

“The players spoke really loud today about what they want,” he said, hinting at a lack of desire from the squad.

When asked what went wrong, Amorim was blunt in his assessment.

“Everything. The way we started, we were not even here. Everything is so important in this club. We should do so much better,”

“I just have to say sorry to our fans,” the Portuguese added.

He confirmed he would take time to reflect over the upcoming international break, as speculation mounts over his future at the club.

“It doesn’t matter that we lost on penalties. Football was fair today. The best team won,” he said.

With United now out of the League Cup, their hopes of securing silverware this season rest primarily on the FA Cup.

“I’m the manager. It’s my job to understand what happened. Again, I’m really sorry for our fans,” Amorim told reporters.

“That is more than a result. That is the biggest problem in the team. It was really clear today.”

“I would like to say very smart things and important things. I have nothing to say,” he said.

“That’s the biggest problem too. Seeing the same mistakes and having nothing to say. I’m really sorry for our fans.”

Amorim also addressed the pressure and unrealistic expectations surrounding the team, arguing that the issues could not be solved overnight.

“It’s too much sometimes. You cannot change everything in one summer. But you need to win games,” he said.

“You need to avoid this kind of performance. I think this is a little bit the limit,” he added.

Goalkeeper Andre Onana, making his return to the starting XI, was at fault for both of Grimsby’s goals—beaten at his near post for the opener and failing to claim a cross that led to Tyrell Warren’s tap-in.

Despite the errors, Amorim defended his player.

“It’s not about Andre. With all due respect, this is a fourth-division team. It’s not the goalkeeper. It’s more than that.”

(Reuters/NAN)