A frustrated Ruben Amorim has refused to make excuses for Manchester United's disastrous performance against Grimsby, saying the League Cup defeat to the fourth tier club was a deserved fiasco.
The Red Devils' failure to qualify for European competition saw them reach the second round of the competition for the first time in eight years – a similar failure under Louis van Gaal, when they lost 4-0 to League One side MK Dons.
The worst part was that Grimsby inflicted one of the most painful defeats of the post-Alex Ferguson era, having duly taken the lead at half-time thanks to goals from Charles Vernam and an own goal from Tyrell Warren.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana, under fire for the first goal, looked helpless in the second as United levelled at 2-2 through substitute Bryan Mbeumo and a late header from Harry Maguire.
Matheus Cunha missed the decisive penalty after Onana saved Clarke Oduor, and Mbeumo hit the post with his final attempt. The 11-12 shootout defeat will leave a bitter mark on the team.
Asked about the main disappointment of the match, United manager Amorim responded sharply: “Absolutely everything. The start of the match showed that it was as if we did not exist on the pitch.
“For a club of this level, such a performance is unacceptable. We are obliged to demonstrate a different level – I offer my sincere apologies to our fans.
“The players made their ambitions crystal clear through their actions on the pitch today.”
Clarifying his thought, the Portuguese added: “Everything is obvious. We will concentrate on the next match, after which we will have a break. We will have time to analyze.”
“It doesn't matter that it went to penalties. In a shootout, fate is the same for everyone. Today, justice was done – the strongest won.”
An emotional Amorim, speaking to the press at Blundell Park, became particularly tense when asked about his personal perception of what was happening.
“No, but I'm a coach,” he snapped. “My job is to correct mistakes. I apologize to the fans again. Let's move on.”
The coach continued to apologise in post-match comments as he watched last season's nightmare scenarios repeat themselves.
“The problem is not only the result – it is a systemic crisis in the team,” he emphasized. “Today this has become extremely evident.”
“I would like to give a wise analysis, but I have nothing to say. This is the main problem.
“Constant repetition of mistakes with no progress at all. My condolences to our fans. Sometimes patience snaps.”
The upcoming Premier League match against Burnley will be a test for the team, with any fall from victory likely to heighten criticism ahead of the international break.
“It is impossible to make radical changes in such a short time frame,” Amorim said on the eve of the transfer window closing. “Transformations take time.”
“But victories are achieved by actions, not by such performances.
“A critical point has been reached – change is inevitable.”
Grimsby manager David Artell described the match as “an historic night for the club, the city and the wider community”.
He told Sky Sports: “The boys have done the impossible. They deserve all the compliments and accolades.”
“We have been working towards this for years – to bring the club back into the spotlight.
“I know it's a one-off. We've got a long season ahead of us – as long as we're not losing in the league – but nights like this happen once in a lifetime.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
