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Charlie Grace
Thu 28 August 2025 18:51, UK
Manchester United’s penalty shootout loss to Grimsby Town sent shockwaves around the footballing world on Wednesday evening.
Ruben Amorim’s side found themselves staring down the barrel of a two goal deficit at half time following two Andre Onana blunders gave the hosts a shock lead, angering fans.
Bryan Mbeumo entered the fold as a half time substitute and scored the goal that got United back into the game, before Harry Maguire’s 89th minute header sent the tie to penalties – which Amorim refused to watch.
Bruno Fernandes, Mbeumo, Maguire and Diogo Dalot all converted their spot kicks but it was another summer signing, Matheus Cunha, whose timid attempt was saved, giving Grimsby a lifeline, while other summer addition Benjamin Sesko took United’s last outfield penalty, raising even more questions.
Eventually, Mbeumo had to step up again and it was his penalty, that struck the crossbar and sent the home fans into raptures, completing one of English football’s biggest shocks in recent memory.
(Credit Imago)
Following the loss, the United boss partook in several tense post-match interviews with many questioning the Portuguese’s 3-4-2-1 system that he’s so wedded to, as well as questions arising over whether Amorim still wants to be in charge at United.
Nonetheless, Paul Merson spoke to Sky Sports about the players: “Their attitude stinks from half of them.
Instead of: ‘When I walk off that game, those Grimsby fans and players will go: I didn’t know he was that good.’ That’s not the case.”
Credit: Imago
Football Insider verdict
All good relationships require compromise, but it has been decidedly lacking throughout Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese’s hyper-specialised 3-4-2-1 system has had over £200 million poured into it with results and performances looking worryingly similar.
The goalkeeper and midfield positions have continually let United down, and have yet to see any improvement, while the entire front three was reinforced for big money without any reward as of yet.
Of United’s three goals so far this season, only one has come from open play, and that was scored by Mbeumo, and while Cunha has impressed in the Premier League, he was fairly anonymous against Grimsby.
Perhaps most shockingly of all though, was Amorim’s decision to bring Mason Mount on and play him as a left wing-back instead of changing his system to accommodate the players on the pitch.
If Amorim is to succeed, he will have to surrender his principles and start to play his best players in their best positions, like Fernandes, who isn’t suited to his deeper midfield role.