Manchester United went into their Carabao Cup second round tie with League Two club Grimsby Town in desperate need of a victory after a winless start to the season
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes(Image: ITV 1)
Bruno Fernandes could not conceal his shock as Manchester United suffered an embarrassing start to their Carabao Cup second-round tie against Grimsby Town.
The club captain began on the substitutes' bench, with head coach Ruben Amorim instead handing Kobbie Mainoo an opportunity to start. However, they faltered during the first half, as their League Two opponents took a 2-0 lead into half-time.
Charles Vernam found the net to break the deadlock for the home. Fernandes appeared devastated by his team's defensive lapse, with television cameras capturing him burying his face in his palms, but Matters deteriorated further when Tyrell Warren scored.
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He capitalised on an error from Andre Onana - who had been handed a rare opportunity amid speculation surrounding his future - to double the lead inside half an hour.
In response, Sky Sports co-commentator Alan Smith said: "You can't believe the space Grimsby are getting at the moment. United are at sixes and sevens at the moment!
"It's car crash TV as far as United and Onana are concerned, never looked like climbing or getting two fists on this!
"If you decide to come. You have to get it as a goalkeeper. He was all over the place, Onana."
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Smith concluded: "It always transmits to your defenders if your goalkeeper is a nervous wreck. United are too anxious and nervous in possession. Up the other end, it's very different."
Former teammate Phil Jones then summed up the situation at half-time of the match. "It's been a really torrid first half for Man United. The goalkeeper doesn't cover himself in glory.
"United have struggled to gain momentum in the game. Grimsby have been outstanding.
"[Onana] is going through a phase in his career where he's trying so hard to rectify the mistakes he's made. I've been there. It's a tough place to be."
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