Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim apologises to fans after Grimsby debacle
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Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim gesturing during the match against Grimsby Town on Aug 27.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Ruben Amorim apologised to Manchester United supporters after his reign reached a new low with a humiliating elimination from the League Cup second round by fourth-tier Grimsby Town on Aug 27.
The Red Devils appeared to have got out of jail at Blundell Park when Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute header made it 2-2 after they had trailed 2-0 with a woeful first-half display.
But a marathon penalty shoot-out ended 12-11 in Grimsby's favour after new signing Bryan Mbeumo, who had begun United's fightback, saw his spot kick bounce off the crossbar.
Grimsby were deserved winners as they outplayed their illustrious guests and were more up for the fight.
Amorim cryptically said the players "spoke really loud today what they want" – apparently suggesting they did not fancy the challenge against the League Two team.
When asked to explain what went wrong, a worryingly familiar question since he took charge last season, the Portuguese did not hold back.
“Everything. The way we started the game, we were not even here. When everything is so important in our club, everything that happened, it’s a problem in our club, we should do so much better. I just have to say sorry to our fans,” he said.
“I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want. I think it’s easy for you (how to interpret it). Let’s focus on the next game and then we have the stop for the international games. We will think things through.
“Doesn’t matter (that we lost on penalties). In the penalties, the feeling is the same. I think football was really fair today. The best team won.”
The League Cup exit means United's realistic hopes of winning a trophy this season now rest with the FA Cup.
“I’m the manager. It should be my job to understand what happened,” added Amorim, whose side have picked up one point from their opening two Premier League games.
“Again, I’m really sorry for our fans. Let’s focus on the next game. That (the defeat) is more than a result. That is the biggest problem in the team. I think it was really clear today.
“I would like to say very smart things and very important things. But I have nothing to say. That is the biggest problem also. To see the same mistakes and nothing to say at this moment. I’m really sorry for our fans.”
He then added: “It’s too much sometimes. You cannot change so much. You cannot change everything in one summer. You need to win games. You need to not show this kind of performance.”
Andre Onana made a dismal return in goal and was culpable for both of Grimsby’s goals. He was beaten at his near post by Charles Vernam for their opener and then failed to claim a cross that was converted by former United academy player Tyrell Warren.
“It’s not about Andre,” Amorim insisted. “With all due respect. I already said that the best team won. But this is a fourth division team. It’s not the goalkeeper. It’s more than that.”
United next take on Burnley at home in the Premier League on Aug 30. REUTERS
