Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has apologised to supporters after his team were knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-division side Grimsby Town in one of the biggest shocks of the competition.
United looked flat for much of the match and went 2-0 down at Blundell Park before captain Harry Maguire equalised in the 89th minute to force penalties. The game ended in heartbreak as United lost 12-11 in a dramatic shootout, with Bryan Mbeumo hitting the crossbar on the final kick.
Grimsby showed more fight and energy throughout the game and deserved their historic victory against the Premier League giants.
Amorim, who has been under pressure since taking charge last season, admitted his players lacked urgency and desire.
“I just have to say sorry to our fans”, Amorim said.
“The players spoke really loud today about what they want,” he said, suggesting some in the squad were not fully committed.
When asked what went wrong, he was blunt:
“Everything. The way we started, we were not even here. Everything is so important in this club. We should do so much better. I just have to say sorry to our fans.”
The Portuguese coach also admitted he will use the upcoming international break to reflect as questions grow about his future.
“It doesn’t matter that we lost on penalties. Football was fair today. The best team won.”
United’s Trophy Hopes Shift to the FA Cup
With Manchester United out of the League Cup, their best chance of winning a trophy this season is now the FA Cup. But Amorim admitted the team’s problems go deeper than one bad result.
“I’m the manager. It’s my job to understand what happened. Again, I’m really sorry for our fans. That is more than a result. That is the biggest problem in the team. It was really clear today.”
