Grimsby Town playing in League Two, the Fourth tier in English football afflicted the worst defeat on the biggest club in the world, Manchester United. Grimsby led 2-0 for much of the game and United threw the kitchen-sink to level it, only for penalties which was all square till the 12th spot kick. Cunha missed his kick which would have taken United through, then Sesko who suffered cramps took the 10th kick and ultimately Mbeumo missed his to hand Grimsby their deserved win. Shocking was United performance in the first 60 minutes; out-run and out-thought which was to many an utter disgrace.
Even more shocking was the over-emotional outburst from Ruben Amorim which suggested he might throw the towel once again at the Manchester United board. He initially said "It’s not about the result. In the penalties, I was not thinking about the penalties to go to the next stage. I think the way we played, the way we faced the competition – when everything is so important, I think the players spoke really loud about what they want today." Further he added "I am shocked. In the moment, we make a lot of changes, and we tried to fight a lot of things. When we have these moments, we need to show up. If we don’t show up, you can feel that something has to change and you’re not going to change 22 players again." It sent the fans and media into meltdown.
Against a League Two side United were playing 3 at the back against their 1 striker which easily led to being out-muscled and lose control of the game from midfield. On top of that Andre Onana made another howler to concede the 1st goal at the near-post and was poor at attacking the corner for the second. United should get Emiliano Martinez the World Cup winner with Argentina to be their Number 1 but instead are trying to buy relatively young Sanne Lammens from Royal Antwerp. Old Trafford potboiler will crush not allow any development. United need their spine to be like Schmeichel, Bruce, Pallister, Keane, Cantona to protect and nurture the team for the like of Giggs and Fergie's Fledglings to bloom.
Will this harsh lesson make Amorim change his stubborn stance to play 3-4-2-1 system? In 4-2-3-1 United can offer cover to defenders and have an extra body in midfield to allow the team to be competitive. It's not ideal but allows the players to have a fighting chance to draw or perhaps enjoy a rare victory. Once Amorim has his players in all positions he can switch back to his preferred system later. Question is Amorim has steadfastly defended his stance despite very poor results in his tenure. If the shock at Grimsby makes Amorim become more pragmatic on what works and what does not, he can survive this nadir else there can be only one outcome out of despair which is the sacking.
United as a club nor the fans want another managerial change but if results do not improve it forces their opinion to change. Oliver Glasner is the leading contender with Mauricio Pochettino keen to fulfil his dream of managing Manchester United after that 'lunch with Sir Alex Ferguson'. New manager may not have funds to get players of his choice as transfer window closes soon.
Meanwhile the sales of Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund and potentially Anthony or Sancho might raise enough cash for United to get a stop-gap midfielder before the window shuts on 1st September. High cost of Baleba, Hjulmand rules them out. Lucien Agoume and Hayden Hackney provide promise at affordability while Adrien Rabiot at 30 and available at 15 million Euro's is a surprise development or will Christopher Vivell conjure something from Bundesliga? All eyes on Amorim for now.