Ruben Amorim says “something has to change” after Manchester United’s players “clearly showed what they want” in a shock Carabao Cup defeat to Grimsby Town.
Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren scored two goals in the space of eight first-half minutes for the fourth-tier hosts, but late goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire took the tie to penalties.
After an epic penalty shootout, Grimsby advanced to the third round with a 12-11 victory after Matheus Cunha saw his spot kick saved and Mbeumo hit the post.
“I think the players spoke really loudly about what they want today,” Amorim told ITV Sport after the match. “Something has to change and you’re not going to change 22 players again.”
Speaking in his post-game press conference, Amorim added: “I would like to say very smart things and very important things. I have nothing to say. Nothing to say.
“That is the biggest problem also. To see the same mistakes and nothing to say in this moment. I’m really sorry for our fans. It’s too much sometimes.”
The Athletic reported last season that in February some observers got the impression Amorim was seriously contemplating walking away, such was his frustration with the performances and working environment. Around this time he also said that the sack can be “liberating”.
Amorim received assurances on transfer targets and future plans from chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox, key figures of communication for co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and stayed.
At the end of the season, Amorim said on the Old Trafford pitch that “the good days are coming” and over the summer United invested heavily in new attackers but he was damning of his team after the defeat by Grimsby.
The United head coach said the defeat was “more than a result” after being asked if it was a continuation of the problems that had seen his side record a 15th-place league finish in 2024-25.
In his post-match interview on Sky Sports, Amorim said Grimsby were “the only team on the pitch” and repeatedly said that his players “spoke really loud” with their performance.
“We started the game without any intensity, the idea of the pressure. We were completely lost, it is hard to explain. That’s why I think they spoke really loud.
“When you lose but you see something new, its different. When you see something like today, its hard to talk about that.”
Amorim joined United from Sporting CP in November 2024, signing a contract through to the summer of 2027 with the option of a further year.
United, who have one point from their opening two Premier League matches, return to league action on Saturday at home to Burnley.
(George Wood/Getty Images)
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