"Grimsby fans taunted their illustrious opponents with inflatable fish, reveling in a historic moment," Wheeler wrote on 27/8. "This match will become folklore in Cleethorpes, a testament to the belief and bravery of David Artell's team. But for Man Utd, it's a stark warning for Ruben Amorim.".

Tyrell Warren celebrates his goal during Grimsby Town's League Cup second-round victory over Man Utd at Blundell Park, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire, UK on the evening of 27/8/2025. _Photo: AP_

Following Man Utd's worst ever Premier League season, Amorim undertook a significant squad overhaul. The Portuguese manager sidelined Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, spending over 250 million USD to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko.

However, the "Red Devils" have shown no signs of improvement. They lost 1-0 to Arsenal and drew 1-1 with Fulham in the first two rounds of the Premier League before their shock League Cup exit to Grimsby Town. The last time Man Utd exited the competition at this stage was 11 years ago, in a humiliating 4-0 defeat to lower-league MK Dons.

Wheeler describes Amorim hiding in the dugout, unable to watch his players take penalties, as a symbolic image of the Portuguese manager's helplessness. He emphasizes that Man Utd remains mired in chaos, disappointment, and a lack of direction, showing no signs of escaping the crisis.

"The new signings have been disappointing. Onana made mistakes for both first-half goals, while Sesko was anonymous and took the final penalty as if trying to avoid responsibility," Wheeler continues. "Man Utd fans are left sighing. Players like Garnacho, Antony, Sancho, and Hojlund are probably also hoping for a swift end to this crisis. Kobbie Mainoo, who seemed to have an opportunity to prove himself, found himself in a sorry situation, as this appearance could mark a sad milestone in his Old Trafford career.".

Andre Onana (yellow) was at fault for both of Man Utd's conceded goals. _Photo: Reuters_

Andre Onana was among Man Utd's worst performers. In his first start of the season, the Cameroonian goalkeeper made errors that led directly to Man Utd conceding two goals in the first half. He was slow to react to Charles Vernam's opener and then fumbled the ball, allowing Tyrell Warren to score into an empty net for a 2-0 lead.

"It was a disastrous performance," former striker Louis Saha said angrily on ITV. "Onana's mistakes are unforgivable. Poor positioning, not watching the ball, basic errors. That's not Man Utd, and he knows it.".

Saha also criticized Man Utd's lack of rhythm, aimless crosses, and half-hearted pressing. "That's not Man Utd's DNA. Playing like that, any team, in any league, can punish them," the 37-year-old added. Man Utd return to Old Trafford on 30/7 to face newly promoted Burnley in the third round of the Premier League.

Hong Duy (_Daily Mail_)