Manchester United suffered a historic defeat for the first time in the club’s history, losing to a fourth-tier team in a 26-shot penalty shootout.
Since taking charge, Huben Amouri has faced many chapters of disappointment, but this experience appears uniquely humiliating. Not only did his team lose to a lower-division side, but he was also frustrated by the way his players performed on the pitch. Speaking to the supporters, he took full responsibility on behalf of his team.
United has already been struggling for a long time, but few expected them to fall to a fourth-division side. Yet in the League Cup, they were defeated by Grimsby Town FC.
Grimsby raced into a 2-0 lead within the first 30 minutes and maintained the advantage for nearly 75 minutes. United fought back with two late goals, but the comeback did not feel like a triumph. In the marathon penalty shootout, Grimsby eventually triumphed 12-11, sending their home crowd of 8,500 into raptures.
Despite controlling possession for 71 percent of the match and taking 28 shots, nine on target, Amouri refused to blame the goalkeeper. He gave full credit to the opponents and admitted that his side was effectively absent on the pitch.
“The best team won. The team that was on the pitch… we were completely beaten.”
“The way we started the game, it felt like we weren’t even there. Everything in this club is so important. What happened today shows there’s a problem in our club. We should do better.”
Amouri questioned the overall approach in the match, particularly the penalty shootout, rather than pointing fingers at individual players. He also challenged the team’s commitment.
“I just have to apologize to the supporters. I think the lads showed today exactly what they wanted to show.”
“Against a fourth-division team, the goalkeeper isn’t the issue. Everything is on the team — the overall attitude, the approach to this tournament… everything. We know people will scrutinize every aspect at a time like this.”
United has spent over £200 million in this transfer window to rebuild the squad, yet the team remains winless this season. They opened the Premier League with a loss to Arsenal, drew with Fulham, and now suffered this shocking League Cup exit.
Amouri acknowledges that more time is needed to get the team organized.
“You can’t change everything in a single summer. But yes, we must win games. This kind of performance is unacceptable.”
The real question now is whether he will get the time he needs. In his first 10 months in charge, United has played 45 matches, losing 19 and winning just 17.
A loss to a fourth-tier club will surely force the club management to reflect deeply. Grimsby supporters celebrated in the stands after the match, singing:
“Tomorrow morning you’ll be sacked…”
It may not happen immediately, but Amouri’s time is undoubtedly running out.
