Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted his side were “completely lost” as they crashed out of the League Cup with a humiliating defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town, Afrosport reports.
The Red Devils trailed 2-0 inside the opening half-hour and were fortunate not to concede a third during a chaotic first-half display that lacked urgency and discipline. Late goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire dragged United back into the contest, forcing a penalty shoot-out, but Amorim’s side failed to complete the turnaround.
Matheus Cunha spurned the chance to seal victory in the initial round of spot-kicks, and after both sides converted through a lengthy exchange, Mbeumo struck the post to hand Grimsby a famous 12-11 win at Blundell Park.
The result marks a new low in Amorim’s tenure, with optimism from pre-season now rapidly fading.
“I think this is a little bit the limit. I think something has to change,” Amorim said afterwards.
“I think the team and the players spoke really loud today, so that’s it. [Tonight] I think the best team won, the only team that was on the pitch.
“I think it’s really clear what they spoke, so let’s move on from this day. I think it was clear for everybody what happened today.”
“The way we start the game without any intensity, we were completely lost. In this moment, we need to focus on the weekend and then we have time to think.”
When asked if he could believe the performance from his players at Blundell Park, the visibly upset Portuguese replied, “No, but I’m the manager,” he added. “It should be my job to understand what happened.
“Again, I’m really sorry for our fans. Let’s focus on the next game. [I have] no more answers. I do not even have anything to say. I just want to apologise to our fans. I’m really, really sorry.
“We played well against Arsenal and then we should have won against Fulham. Then to come here in the League Cup when everything is so important in this moment because everything is so scrutinised and we performed like that.
“I think my players spoke really loud about what they want and what they don’t want.”
United have yet to win a game this season – losing two and drawing one. Despite spending big on attacking reinforcements, they continue to struggle in front of goal, with the same wastefulness that plagued last season still evident in their play.
They endured their lowest league finish since relegation in 1974 last season, ending the campaign in 15th place. Now, one of only two realistic chances of silverware this term has already slipped away in humiliating fashion.
The Red Devils now turn their attention to Burnley, who visit Old Trafford in the Premier League this weekend. With pressure mounting, Amorim must quickly find solutions to United’s persistent problems, as opponents appear to have little difficulty exposing their predictable style.
