Coach Ruben Amorim expressed his frustration and bluntly criticized his squad for the lackluster display against Grimsby Town.

Manchester United sank deeper into crisis after a shocking elimination from the Carabao Cup, losing on penalties to Grimsby Town, a League Two side, the fourth tier of English football. The 2-2 draw after 90 minutes away ended in a disastrous penalty shootout, resulting in one of the most humiliating defeats in recent history for the Red Devils.

Unable to conceal his frustration, Coach Ruben Amorim harshly criticized his players immediately after the match. Speaking on Sky Sports, the Portuguese manager stated that the attitude and performance of Man Utd “said it all.” He emphasized:

“In the end, whether we can bounce back or not doesn’t matter. The stronger team won because they were the only ones truly playing on the field. Even the best players can lose, as any team with fighting spirit can defeat a group of so-called stars.”

According to Coach Amorim, what disappointed him most was not the result but how Man Utd started the game. The Red Devils barely showed any pressing ideas or determination against an inferior opponent in every aspect. He frankly said: “We began the match without intensity, without any pressing plan. The whole team was completely lost. The players sent a very clear message through their performance. That is the biggest problem.”

The Portuguese coach also apologized to the fans, who have patiently supported the team despite a poor run of results since the start of the season. “We have to apologize. Given the support they have shown us through every defeat, I have nothing but regret. The players spoke for themselves through today’s performance, so I don’t need to say much more.”

The match also marked another poor showing from goalkeeper Andre Onana. However, Coach Amorim refused to place all the blame on the Cameroonian keeper. He said the defeat came from “every detail” and “the entire team must take responsibility.” “When you play a match with too much respect for a League Four opponent, everything falls apart. It’s not just the goalkeeper’s mistake; it’s the whole team’s fault.”

The loss to Grimsby means Manchester United have yet to secure a single win this season. This weekend, they will return to Old Trafford to host Burnley, a match seen as the last chance for Coach Amorim to temporarily ease the pressure. Meanwhile, Grimsby Town earned a spot in the third round of the Carabao Cup, where they will face Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

For Manchester United, the shock at Grimsby is more than just a defeat; it raises serious questions about the spirit and ambition of a squad losing its identity during the Amorim era.