Ruben Amorim Manchester United loss sees Grimsby knock out Red Devils on penalties; Amorim calls for change after winless start to season

Ruben Amorim Manchester United loss is under intense scrutiny after the Red Devils crashed out of the Carabao Cup in humiliating fashion to League Two side Grimsby Town, losing 12-11 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Blundell Park.

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The shock exit marks a historic low for United, who had never been knocked out of a cup competition by a fourth-tier side in their 146-year history.

Despite late goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire to recover from a two-goal deficit, United were unable to overcome a spirited Grimsby team in the shootout — another blow in what has become a nightmare start to the 2025/26 season.

Speaking post-match, an emotional and visibly frustrated Ruben Amorim admitted his side lacked intensity and purpose, delivering a damning assessment of the team’s mentality.

“You can feel that something has to change,” Amorim told Sky Sports. “And you are not going to change 22 players again.”

In what felt like a cryptic message to the United board, Amorim suggested the problems go deeper than any single position — even as goalkeeper Andre Onana was largely at fault for both of Grimsby’s goals.

“It’s not the goalkeeper, it’s everything — the environment, the way we face competitions,” he added.

“My players spoke really loud today. The best team won.”

With zero wins from three matches this season, Amorim’s record is already worse than Ralf Rangnick’s brief but turbulent tenure.

His 35.6% win rate is the lowest by any Manchester United manager in the Premier League era.

•  Only 7 wins in 29 league games
•  Club-record low 42 points last season
• Worst-ever finish: 15th place
• Lowest goal tally in Premier League history: 44 goals

This defeat only intensifies the mounting pressure on Amorim, who was hired last season following a post-Ten Hag overhaul but has failed to galvanize a fractured squad despite attacking signings like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo.

Manchester United face Burnley at Old Trafford this weekend in what could prove pivotal for Amorim’s future.

With a two-week international break looming afterward, it could provide the club hierarchy time to evaluate whether the current project is still salvageable.

“I just want to say I’m really sorry to the fans,” said Amorim.

“With all the defeats… today I have nothing to say apart from sorry.”

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As Amorim himself admitted, “the best players can lose when only one team truly shows up” — and for now, that team is certainly not Manchester United.