'Nothing Smart To Say... Sorry': Amorim's Candid Apology After United's Shocking Carabao Cup Exit

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 08:57 IST

Ruben Amorim apologized after Manchester United suffered a shocking League Cup exit to Grimsby Town, with Bryan Mbeumo missing the decisive penalty in a 12-11 shootout loss.

A frustrated Ruben Amorim yells at his Manchester United players from the sidelines (AP)

Ruben Amorim apologized to Manchester United supporters after experiencing one of the most embarrassing setbacks of his tenure at Old Trafford: a shocking League Cup exit against fourth-tier Grimsby Town on Wednesday.

United looked to have salvaged the night when Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute header forced a 2-2 draw after they had trailed 2-0 at Blundell Park. But a marathon shootout ended 12-11 to the hosts when Bryan Mbeumo, who had sparked United’s comeback, struck the crossbar with the decisive penalty.

Amorim’s Candid Admission

In a blunt assessment, Amorim suggested his players lacked the will to fight.

“I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want," he said cryptically. “The way we started the game, we were not even here. Everything that happened is a problem in our club. I just have to say sorry to our fans."

Asked whether losing on penalties softened the blow, the Portuguese was unequivocal. “Doesn’t matter. The feeling is the same. Football was really fair today. The best team won."

United’s defeat means their realistic hopes of silverware now rest solely with the FA Cup, extending the pressure on Amorim after a winless start to the Premier League season. The 20-time English champions finished 15th last year, their lowest league placing since 1974.

“I’m the manager, it’s my job to understand," Amorim said. “But again, I have nothing smart to say. To see the same mistakes and nothing to say—that is the biggest problem. You cannot change everything in one summer. You need to win games and avoid this kind of performance. I think this is a little bit the limit."

Onana’s Night to Forget

Goalkeeper Andre Onana endured a miserable return, culpable for both Grimsby goals. He was beaten at his near post for Charles Vernam’s opener and then failed to claim a cross that former United academy player Tyrell Warren bundled in.

But Amorim refused to single him out: “It’s not about Andre. With all due respect, this is a fourth-division team. It’s not the goalkeeper. It’s more than that."

(with agency inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 08:57 IST

News sports 'Nothing Smart To Say... Sorry': Amorim's Candid Apology After United's Shocking Carabao Cup Exit

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