Grimsby stun United in 12-11 penalty thriller

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim described his team as "completely lost" after a shocking Carabao Cup exit against Grimsby, following a marathon penalty shootout.

The defeat to League Two opposition marks a new low for the Premier League giants under Amorim, with early-season optimism quickly fading.

United trailed 2-0 within 30 minutes and were fortunate not to concede a third after the break. A lifeless performance saw them lacking rhythm until late goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire forced penalties.

Despite Matheus Cunha missing the chance to seal victory with United’s fifth penalty, the shootout continued until Mbeumo’s miss sealed a 12-11 win for the hosts.

Amorim did not hold back in his post-match assessment:

"I think this is a little bit the limit. Something has to change. The team and the players spoke really loud today. The best team won—the only team that was on the pitch."

"We started without any intensity. We were completely lost. Now we must focus on the weekend. After that, we’ll have time to reflect."

This result adds to a growing crisis at Old Trafford. The 20-time English champions finished 15th last season—their worst league performance since relegation in 1974.

Elimination from the Carabao Cup represents another blow, ending one of only two realistic opportunities for silverware this season.

Amorim made eight changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Fulham but still fielded a lineup featuring multiple internationals, worth hundreds of millions.

Benjamin Šeško made his first start following a £74m move from RB Leipzig, while Andre Onana endured a night to forget on his return in goal.

Amorim Under Pressure After Grimsby Defeat

When appointed last season, Amorim was hailed as an ambitious coach who would restore winning ways. Early optimism among fans and club insiders now appears misplaced.

Despite heavy investment in attacking options over the summer, performances have yet to improve. Amorim’s Premier League win rate sits at 24.1%—identical to Neil Warnock, who suffered two relegations from the top flight.

Pressure is mounting ahead of United’s weekend clash with Burnley. Defeat at Old Trafford would intensify scrutiny on Amorim, who cut an agitated figure on the touchline.

When asked if he could believe what he had seen, Amorim replied:

"No, but I’m the manager. It’s my job to understand what happened. I’m really sorry for our fans. We must focus on the next game."

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, he added:

"I have no more answers. I don’t even have anything to say. I just want to apologise to our fans. We played well against Arsenal and should have beaten Fulham. Then to perform like this in such an important match—I think the players have made their feelings clear."