Ruben Amorim was visibly seething on the sidelines as Manchester United suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Grimsby Town.
A 12-11 shootout defeat to Grimsby has sent Manchester United crashing out of the Carabao Cup and it will bring a huge spotlight on Ruben Amorim’s future.
Ruben Amorim went with a blend of youth and experience with his starting XI at Blundell Park, but the Portuguese head coach was forced into action when his side trailed 2-0 inside 30 minutes.
Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire scored to draw United level, but Andre Onana’s terrible performance continued into the shootout, and the six-time League Cup winners were knocked out.
According to Amorim’s post-match comments, United deserved nothing else.
Ruben Amorim looks glum, headshot
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Ruben Amorim rips into Man United players after Grimsby defeat
Ultimately, it is Amorim who will be held responsible for the poor start to the season, and it is the Portuguese’s job now at risk.
But once again, Amorim watched from the sidelines as his players lacked intensity and made sloppy errors.
The United boss did not hold back in his post-match assessment to Sky Sports.
More United News
🗣️ "The best team won. The only team that was on the pitch."
Ruben Amorim reacts to Manchester United's Carabao Cup exit after defeat to Grimsby Town on penalties. pic.twitter.com/Vgwpweyy0U
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) August 27, 2025
View Tweet
“I know that the best team won. The only team that was on the pitch. The best players lose because one team can win against any group of players,” Amorim said.
“I think the team and the players spoke really loud today. We lost. The best team won.
“I don’t know [why they had so many spaces]. We started without intensity. We were completely lost.”
Amorim also sent an apology to the United fanbase, saying: “I am truly sorry for the fans.”
The good days are still far away for Ruben Amorim
At the end of last season, Amorim promised ‘good days are ahead’ for United after initially warning fans of a “storm” in 2024/25.
Ironically, the heavens opened and rain poured to add to United’s misery against Grimsby. The storm that Amorim thought had passed had come back with a vengeance.
A defeat to a League Two outfit is the biggest reality check that could have struck Amorim, and if he thought he was close to changing United’s fortunes, he will need to reassess his long-term project.
READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo’s performance vs Grimsby has Man Utd fans all making same powerful argument, ‘almost as if…’
Amorim said he wants to be at United for 20 years, but pressure is already mounting on his job. His post-match comments suggest he feels let down by his players, and now more than ever, he needs to find those he trusts to perform.
The Grimsby match and a home clash against Burnley are – on paper – the two easiest matches United will have this season. Another poor result against the Clarets and Amorim could face the same fate as his predecessors.