Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has publicly questioned his own players following a shocking Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town. The defeat, decided by a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw, has intensified the pressure on Amorim, who is enduring a difficult start to the season.
The Red Devils found themselves 2-0 down to the fourth-tier team at Blundell Park, with goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren. Although Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire managed to salvage a draw late in the game, forcing the penalty shootout, the overall performance was far from convincing. Mbeumo ultimately missed a crucial penalty, sealing Grimsby's victory.
Amorim didn't hold back in his post-match interview, expressing his disappointment and hinting at deeper issues within the squad. "I know that the best team won," he stated, adding, "The only team that was on the pitch. The best players lost". He cryptically suggested that some players' performances fell short of expected standards, implying a lack of commitment or desire. Some fans have interpreted Amorim's comments as a sign that he has lost the dressing room, suggesting a disconnect between the manager and his players.
The manager also stated, "I think my players are talking really loud about what they want, so I'm really sorry to our fans, I have nothing to say anymore". He went on to say, "The way we start the game without any intensity, all the idea of the pressure, we were completely lost and that's why I think they spoke really loud".
Adding to the woes, another error from goalkeeper Andre Onana has brought renewed scrutiny on the goalkeeping situation at the club. Despite heavy investment in forward areas during the summer, familiar problems from Amorim's first season in charge appear to persist.
Amorim, when speaking with MUTV, stated, "I just want to say sorry to our fans, I have nothing to say anymore about the performance". He also acknowledged Grimsby's deserving victory, stating, "I know the best team won today. The best players lost, because when you are a team you can win any game. It was really fair the football today".
Manchester United fans have taken to social media to express their concerns and reactions to Amorim's post-match interview. Some believe that Amorim's comments indicate that he has lost the support of the players, while others feel that he is simply being honest about the team's shortcomings. One fan commented, "What does Amorim mean by 'the players spoke really loud with their performance'. Has he lost the dressing room? Does he think they're throwing him under?". Another added, "Listening to that interview, Amorim has gone…Heads gone..Players won't listen to him is what I'm hearing in his comments. He wants out…".
Looking ahead, Amorim is focused on the next game and trying to repay the fans. "Let's focus on the next game and then we have time to think about things. We have a lot of debts with our fans so let's focus on the game. We have a job to do, a job to prepare and then we'll stop and think things through," he said.
