Ruben Amorim didn't want 'cheats' Man United to beat Grimsby - Simon Jordan
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Credit: Imago/talkSPORT
Jack Heath
Thu 28 August 2025 18:18, UK
Ruben Amorim seemed to not want Man United to past Grimsby in order to punish and teach his players a lesson, according to Simon Jordan.
Man United were knocked out of the EFL Cup in some fashion after losing to League Two outfit Grimsby on penalties.
There were dreadful performances across the pitch with some Man United fans calling for Andre Onana’s contract to be terminated after his shambolic showing in goal.
Also, new signing to Man United Benjamin Sesko was also branded a “coward” for taking the 10th penalty in the shootout, mirroring the lack of confidence and anxiety in the squad.
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“And there’s a part of me that thinks deep in the recesses of his psychological thinking, he was quite happy if Man United lost that penalty shootout knowing what was coming his way.
“He was deeply congratulatory of Grimsby’s speed, said the better side won, [he] knew that if United had won that penalty shootout, people would have given those players a pass.
“It would have been a bad day at the office, in the second half United dug themselves out, you know, perky little team from League Two, gave everybody a game, but United came through a penalty shootout and everyone would have forgotten about it.”
Jordan then spoke on how the Red Devils were being battered through much of the game with Harry Maguire’s touch, for what should have been a third goal for Grimsby, wrongly-dubbed an offside call that went their way.
The co-presenter defended the Portuguese’s actions, adding: “So, there’s a part of me that thinks no, I don’t think he’d be wishing it [defeat], but I don’t think he cared at that point.
“These bunch of cheats [United players] that are going to get away with it as a penalty
shootout.
So actually I don’t want any part of it.”
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Football Insider verdict
Whilst Jordan may not be completely wrong in his hypothesis, the ex-Sporting CP boss has shown during his tenure that anyone who doesn’t fit his ideals will be thrown under the bus.
Moreover, although his transparency has been criticised and praised by various parties, Amorim does wear his heart on his sleeve to show he is only human and is trying his best to resurrect a dying giant of football.
However, when we look at his strategy of throwing players in the deep end in the hope they can swim, it appears few are buoyant in the murky waters of Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim at Man UnitedGames managed45Wins17Draws9Losses19(Source: Sofascore)
Manuel Ugarte, deemed a saviour to a tiring United midfield has underwhelmed and struggled to truly embed himself into the English top-flight.
The defensive backline has appeared shaky and nervous knowing their next touch could lead to a catastrophic moment in the game.
Perhaps, the former Braga manager needs to rethink his current approach to getting the best out of his players and, rather than show the world their flaws and concerns, put an arm round their shoulders to bring his squad out of a dark place.