Man Utd suffered a shock defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup. After trailing by two goals in the first half, they leveled the score at 2-2 before losing 12-11 on penalties. This loss darkened the mood at Old Trafford and put Amorim in the hot seat during today's pre-match press conference for the upcoming Premier League fixture.
The Portuguese manager didn't hide his feelings. "Whenever we lose like that, I react strongly," he said. "Sometimes I love my players, sometimes I loathe them. Sometimes I want to protect them, other times I feel I can't stand being around them. There are moments when I want to walk away immediately, and others when I want to stay for 20 years. That's just me, and I won't change."
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Manager Ruben Amorim during Man Utd's draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, London, UK, in the second round of the Premier League on 24/8/2025. Photo: Reuters |
Manager Ruben Amorim during Man Utd's draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage, London, UK, in the second round of the Premier League on 24/8/2025. Photo: Reuters
Amorim explained his disappointment stemmed from Man Utd's solid pre-season preparation and decent performances against Arsenal (0-1 loss) and Fulham (1-1 draw) in the Premier League. The loss to Grimsby, however, exposed the team's instability and lack of fighting spirit. "The most unacceptable thing isn't the result, but how we lost," he said. "Basic things like positioning, tackling, and movement were neglected. That's what truly disappoints me."
Amorim's post-match comment that the players' performance "spoke for itself" sparked controversy, with some suggesting it implied his players were no longer listening to him. However, the 40-year-old manager clarified that he spoke out of frustration and didn't intend to attack anyone personally.
Beyond morale issues, Amorim is also dealing with dressing room unrest. Alejandro Garnacho has agreed to a move to Chelsea, Rasmus Hojlund is set to join Napoli, and Kobbie Mainoo wants a loan move to gain more playing time. However, the Portuguese manager is reluctant to lose the 20-year-old midfielder, a product of the club's academy. "I want Mainoo to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and the team needs him," he stated.
Pressure is mounting as Man Utd sits 16th in the Premier League without a win. Despite this, Amorim insists he won't change his approach: "Many people advise me to calm down, but I can't. It's this personality that fuels my passion. I know this behavior has two sides, and I accept that."
Amorim hopes the match against Burnley, a team they've lost to only once in their last 18 encounters, will help Man Utd regain their composure. But given the "Red Devils'" current form, history might not be on their side. Another defeat against the newly promoted Premier League side could cost Amorim his job.
"We need to regain our intensity, starting with the smallest details," he said. "The next match is a chance for the whole team to prove that."
Xuan Binh
