Manchester United suffered a shock loss in the second round of the Carabao Cup, losing to League Two team Grimsby on penalties.
After the game, 40-year-old United boss Amorim apologised to the supporters and yelled at his players, saying that there are problems in every part of the club.
This loss not only halted United’s 11-game winning streak in the League Cup, but it was also the first time in the club’s history that they lost to a fourth-tier team in the competition. This is an embarrassing aspect of Amorim’s managerial record.
Amorim Apologises After the Match, Admits the Team Was Lost
Amorim said in an interview after the game that he was embarrassed: “From the very start of the game, it was as if our players weren’t even on the pitch. Everything went wrong. This loss is a shame for our team. I can only say I’m sorry to the fans.”
He honestly said, “I don’t know why we gave Grimsby so much room to move forward.” We couldn’t keep up with the pace from the first whistle. The whole team was totally lost.
Amorim said, “I think the best team won tonight, and there was nothing he could do. They were the only ones who really did something on the field.” This ostensibly objective comment showed how deeply disappointed and frustrated he was.
Onana in the Spotlight and Players’ Attitude Questioned
Amorim also stated that the players’ performance indicated they had attitude problems: “It’s clear to see their mentality from the way they played today. Manchester United should have cared a lot about this game, but their performance showed that they didn’t.”
In this game, United conceded two goals, both of which were scored by goalkeeper André Onana.
But Amorim wouldn’t blame his keeper: “With all due respect, when a team loses to a fourth-division side, the problem isn’t the goalkeeper, it’s the team’s overall performance.”
United Must Bounce Back: The Burnley Clash Becomes Do or Die
Manchester United needs to find ways to address its problems and avoid repeating the mistakes it made last season.
The Portuguese coach admitted uncertainty: “We have to change. This level of performance has hit rock bottom. In the next match, we need to prove ourselves again and win back the fans’ trust. We’ve got a league match this weekend, and then for two weeks during the international break, we will find solutions.”
United’s season has already suffered an early setback, crashing out of a cup competition at the very start.
Before the international break, they will face newly promoted Burnley in the Premier League. Having failed to win their first three matches, this game is already a must-win for Amorim and his side; they cannot afford anything less than three points.
