Ruben Amorim verdict reached over Man Utd sacking: 'What an embarrassment'

The pressure on Ruben Amorim has ratcheted up following Manchester United’s humiliating Carabao Cup defeat at Grimsby Town. The Red Devils’ failure to qualify for Europe meant they took part in the second round of the competition for the first time since 2014, when Louis van Gaal’s side were humbled 4-0 by League One outfit MK Dons.

More pain was to follow as Grimsby inflicted the club’s first-ever defeat to a fourth-tier side. The hosts deservedly led at half time through goals from Charles Vernam and United product Tyrell Warren.

Under-fire goalkeeper Andre Onana should have done better for the first goal and was embarrassed for the second. But United fought back to 2-2 thanks to substitute Bryan Mbeumo’s strike and a last-gasp Harry Maguire header.

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim's actions during Man Utd's Carabao Cup exit as telling sign emerges

READ MORE: Ruben Amorim makes Andre Onana feelings clear in cryptic response to Grimsby humiliation

Matheus Cunha wasted the chance to win the shootout after Onana had denied Clarke Oduor, with Mbeumo eventually sending his second effort off the crossbar in a 12-11 loss that will leave deep scars. The defeat continued Amorim’s wretched record since he replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag last November.

Despite spending more than £200million this summer, United have made a slow start to their Premier League campaign. And after deservedly losing to the side currently fourth in League Two, pundits are struggling to see how the Portuguese coach can turn things around, raising the prospect he could soon be sacked.

Speaking on BBC Five Live, former Chelsea and Celtic striker Chris Sutton said: “What an embarrassment for Manchester United. Where does Ruben Amorim go from here?"

Sutton accepted: “The perception of him now... I don't think he gets over this. A grim night in Grimsby for Ruben's reds.”

When asked if United could consider axing Amorim, former Red Devils striker Louis Saha gave his verdict to ITV Sport after full time and also admitted: “I think they have some consideration. They have to have a bit of a rough attitude. This ground is difficult to come to but it’s what they’re here for; they have to perform.

“They have to find solutions. At the moment, we need to see better, speed of play, all this is missing. All the courage you expect from Man United, the quality, it’s not there. They have to regroup and find solutions.”

Meanwhile, on Sky Sports, Jobi McAnuff pointed the finger at Amorim for not getting the best out of his expensively assembled squad. He said: “You can’t just go and wipe the decks [when it comes to underperforming players]. For me, that comes back to you as the manager and say, ‘Am I getting the best out of you as a group on a consistent basis?’

“It might be switching away from my belief in a system or a formation, and I just don’t think he is. You look at the amount of games he’s lost since he’s been there.

“Week in, week out, they are not getting a level of performance they should be out of that side. Yes, there’s underperformance. Yes, there’s a culture that needs a bit of a shift, but he is not getting the best out of that group.”

United cannot afford another setback on Saturday when newly promoted Burnley head to Old Trafford. Anything other than a convincing win for the Red Devils ahead of the international break – with a short trip to Manchester City awaiting them on September 14 – could yet prove too much for Amorim. Only time will tell.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.