The United coach was clearly livid after his side lost to the 4th division side Grimsby Town to get eliminated from the Carabao Cup in just the second round on Wednesday.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts on the side line during an English League Cup second round soccer match against Grimsby Town, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, at Hill Blundell Park in Grimsby, England. (Nigel French/PA via AP)
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim continues to have the backing of the club’s ownership despite Wednesday’s humiliating Carabao Cup defeat to League Two side Grimsby.
The Portuguese manager fuelled fresh doubts about his future after his bleak post-match remarks following the penalty shootout loss at Blundell Park, where United had to fight back from two goals down before being outplayed for much of the game.
However, sources close to the situation insist there is no appetite within the board to make short-term decisions, stressing that Amorim’s project was always seen as a long-term rebuild. United have already invested £200m in attacking signings this summer and remain engaged in transfer talks, even as exits for Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Rasmus Højlund are negotiated.
The defeat — United’s first ever to fourth-tier opposition — prompted sharp criticism from club legend Wayne Rooney, who told the BBC: “It’s clear for everyone to see that there’s something not right. To lose with your best players on the pitch, and the way they lost, was disheartening.”
Amorim, who has previously been linked with considering resignation, stopped short of clarifying his cryptic comments but admitted: “Let’s focus on the next game and then we have time to think about things.” His remarks have been interpreted by some inside Old Trafford as a sign of strain.
Rooney believes the 40-year-old’s words were telling: “His comments were damning on the players. If your manager comes out like that, something is broken. United is a very different pressure to anything he’s faced before.”
Amorim is expected to face tough questions again at Friday’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Burnley. A daunting run of fixtures follows, including the Manchester derby at the Etihad and meetings with Chelsea and Liverpool.
Meanwhile, United’s players are also under scrutiny after several underwhelming displays at Grimsby. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo endured a difficult evening, goalkeeper André Onana was culpable for the hosts’ second goal, and £73.7m forward Benjamin Sesko — suffering from cramp — was the last outfield player to take a penalty in the marathon shootout.
Despite the setback, the club hierarchy remains convinced Amorim is the right man to lead United’s long-term project, though the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining the strength of that belief.