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A Crushing Blow at Blundell Park
Amorim’s side, Manchester United’s season hit a new low with a devastating second-round Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town. United drew 2–2 after trailing 2–0, only to lose in a dramatic 12–11 penalty shootout. The defeat was arguably one of the most humiliating in the club’s post-Ferguson history.
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Tactics Under Fire, Leadership Questioned
Manager Ruben Amorim is under intense scrutiny. Critics condemned his decision to field a rotated squad and maintain a rigid back-five formation. The use of Mason Mount as a makeshift wing-back and his absence during the penalty shootout drew sharp criticism from pundits and fans alike.
On Sky Sports, Phil Jones called his tactical decisions “baffling,” while former players labeled Amorim and star striker Benjamin Šeško as “cowards,” particularly questioning Sesko’s position as the 10th penalty taker.
A System in Doubt
Amorim admitted the team looked “completely lost” and apologized to fans, saying only one team turned up that night. He conceded, “something has to change,” but ruled out wholesale changes that have become common during his tenure, stating, “you are not going to change 22 players again.”
Moral Damage and Media Backlash
The media dubbed the result a “horror show” and “one of United’s most humiliating performances.” Fan outrage turned to demands for compensation, with some suggesting long-suffering supporters who traveled for the tie should be reimbursed.
Leadership in the Chaos
Amid the fallout, club captain Bruno Fernandes provided a rare moment of leadership. He rushed to console £70 million summer signing Bryan Mbeumo after Mbeumo’s missed penalty intensified pressure on the manager and squad.
Reeling into a Season of Pressure
United remain winless in their first three matches of the season, including Premier League fixtures. With the club already out of European competition and cup competitions now at risk, the upcoming clash against Burnley carries weighty implications.
Because this loss adds to a season of poor form and underperformance—United ended their previous campaign 15th in the table, their worst since the 1970s—the question now is whether Amorim can turn things around or become the next to fall in a revolving door of managers.
Options on the Table: Change of Course or Renewed Commitment
There are two possible paths forward:
- Stick with Amorim’s vision: United’s hierarchy, including INEOS, still voice support for the manager. Continuity remains a valid argument if clear improvement is seen soon.
- Call for a reset: If the tactics and performances do not improve, pressure may build for a change in leadership—possibly eyeing managers with more pragmatic, no-nonsense approaches.
The Grimsby defeat has become a defining moment for United’s season. Without silverware, solid results, or European football, the club faces the risk of slipping further. Unless real progress is made, the spotlight could shift away from Amorim’s vision to questions about his long-term fit at Old Trafford.
