Ruben Amorim at a loss to explain Man Utd's Carabao Cup display at Grimsby

Exasperated Ruben Amorim was at a loss to explain Manchester United’s wretched display at Grimsby and admitted their Carabao Cup humiliation to English League Two opposition was thoroughly deserved.

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.

Worse was to follow as Grimsby inflicted arguably the worst loss of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, with the hosts deservedly leading at half-time through goals from Charles Vernam and United product Tyrell Warren.

Ruben Amorim's post-match reaction.

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 27, 2025

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.

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.

Asked what the most disappointing aspect of the performance had been, United boss Amorim said: “Everything. The way we started the game we were not even here.

“When everything is so important in our club, everything that happened, it’s a problem in our club. We should do so much better, so I just have to say sorry to our fans.

“I felt my players spoke really loud today what they want.”

THIS GROUP!