In a match that will be etched in Ruben Amorim’s memory, Manchester United suffered a humiliating defeat against Grimsby Town, a team from EFL League Two, in a penalty shootout that ended with a score of 12-11, after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. This result not only represents a new low for the coach and the club, but could mark the beginning of the end for Amorim at the helm of the team.
A Historic Defeat
Losing to Grimsby Town is a disgrace for the coach and United. Never before had the team fallen to a fourth division rival in this competition, having won the previous 11 matches against teams in that category. The way the elimination occurred in the second round could jeopardize Amorim’s continuity.
United, who were 2-0 down on the scoreboard, managed to tie thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire, after a goal by Cameron Gardner was disallowed for offside. The penalty shootout, marked by misses from Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo, and the missed shot by Benjamin Sesko, who sent the ball over the crossbar, were premonitory of what was to come.
My players spoke for me very loudly.
Ruben Amorim
After the defeat, Amorim offered an enigmatic statement, suggesting that his players “spoke for him”. “When you play against a fourth division team, it’s not the goalkeeper who costs you the victory, it’s everything,” he added, pointing to the atmosphere and attitude of the team. “We know that we are in a moment where people will pay attention to every detail, and today we demonstrated that performance. My players spoke for me very loudly.”Derrota por penales ante el Grimsby Town, un nuevo punto bajo para el Manchester United.The team, with a high-cost squad, should have overcome Grimsby Town, despite their Premier League season start. However, the combination of the home team’s spirit and organization, along with Amorim’s persistence in his 3-4-3 system, which doesn’t seem to suit his players, led to United’s worst defeat in a long time.
The match was full of worrying details: the irregular defense of Diogo Dalot and Tyler Fredricson, goalkeeper André Onana’s mistake in Grimsby’s second goal, the lack of control in midfield by Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte, and Cunha’s missed penalty. All these incidents are part of an overall worrying situation at United.
Amorim has had goalkeeper problems all season, the defense has been deficient, the midfield doesn’t work, and penalties have been an issue, like the one missed by Bruno Fernandes. With the transfer market closing on September 1st, time is running out to solve the problems. A reliable goalkeeper and a midfielder with energy and skill are needed.
The biggest problem is Amorim’s insistence on the 3-4-3 system, which doesn’t work in the Premier League. This harms Amorim’s chances of keeping his job, the midfield problem also means the forwards lack service.
The atmosphere in the club is tense. Grimsby fans chanted “You’re going to be fired in the morning!”, and although it’s not certain yet, Amorim’s track record is worrying. This is his 19th defeat in 45 matches, with more losses than wins in 10 months. This match could be a turning point.
United and Amorim cannot continue like this. The match against Grimsby Town must be the lowest point, but with this team, there is always the possibility that things will get worse.
