Manchester United have been forced to address manager Ruben Amorim’s future after a humiliating Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town.
On Wednesday night, United suffered one of the most shocking defeats in recent cup history as Grimsby progressed to the third round with a dramatic penalty shootout victory at Blundell Park.
The hosts stormed into a 2-0 half-time lead through Charles Vernam and former United academy defender Tyrell Warren. Amorim responded after the break by introducing Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt and Bryan Mbeumo, with further firepower added in Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee.
Mbeumo gave United hope with his first goal for the club in the 75th minute, before Harry Maguire’s late header made it 2-2 in the 88th minute. However, the game went to penalties, and after a marathon shootout, Mbeumo’s miss proved costly as Grimsby triumphed 12-11.
The defeat piles more pressure on Amorim, who is still searching for his first win of the 2025/26 campaign. United lost their opening Premier League fixture to Arsenal before drawing with Fulham.
Back in May, reports from The Times suggested Amorim’s job was “under no threat” regardless of the outcome of the Europa League final defeat against Tottenham. The board’s stance then was clear: Amorim would lead United into the new season unless he chose to resign.
But after three games without a win and a humiliating cup exit, questions are once again being asked about the Portuguese manager’s future at Old Trafford.
United return to Premier League action this Saturday when they host Burnley at Old Trafford, a fixture that could prove pivotal for Amorim as pressure mounts in the dugout.
