Manchester United have been knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
A poor start to the 2025/26 season just became a whole lot worse for Manchester United after a penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup second round.
Ruben Amorim was under huge pressure heading to Blundell Park after only picking up one point in two Premier League matches.
However, the Red Devils found themselves two goals down inside 30 minutes. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire sent the match to penalties, but a dramatic 12-11 shootout went in favour of the hosts.
There will be a huge spotlight on Amorim and his future at the club, and he may well have several regrets about his decisions against Grimsby.
Ruben Amorim deep in thought on Manchester United bench.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Andre Onana
The first two matches of the season saw Altay Bayindir in goal, which suggested that Andre Onana had dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order.
United are in advanced talks for Senne Lammens to strengthen the goalkeeping options, but with the deal not yet done, Amorim gave Onana his first start of the campaign.
In the first 45 minutes alone, Onana made two mistakes leading to goals. If Bayindir’s performances have been poor this season, Onana was terrible.
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His poor performance continued into the shootout, where he allowed several shots to slip through his fingers.
Tom Heaton will be wondering why he is behind Bayindir and Onana in the pecking order. Ultimately, a new goalkeeper cannot arrive soon enough.
Inexperienced defence
Amorim tried to blend youth and experience in his starting XI, with Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson starting either side of Harry Maguire in the back three.
While Onana should have done better with both goals, Grimsby’s first came from Fredricson being out of position.
The physicality of a League Two side proved difficult for the two youngsters to handle, and Amorim will likely regret not starting with a more experienced back line.
Starting Manuel Ugarte
There was plenty of attention on Amorim’s midfield selection following reports that Kobbie Mainoo is open to leaving, but he did start alongside Manuel Ugarte in the middle.
While Mainoo was arguably one of United’s better players, he was let down by his partner with Ugarte massively struggling to make an impact.
Ugarte gave away possession far too easily and was easily beaten in duels. It wasn’t a shock to see Ugarte hooked for Bruno Fernandes at half-time, and Amorim will likely regret starting him in the first place.
No flexibility
Since being appointed as head coach, Amorim has stubbornly stuck to his tactics, and he has made it clear he will not move from his 3-4-2-1 system.
However, it is a magnet for criticism when United aren’t playing well. Even when his side is getting outplayed and fans are crying out for change, Amorim sticks to what he knows best.
Supporters will quickly run out of patience if results continue and Amorim refuses to change.