Pressure on Amorim increases as Man Utd are dumped out of Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby | OneFootball

Manchester United have been dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby, heaping pressure on boss Ruben Amorim.

The Reds recovered from a two goal deficit at half-time to draw 2-2 but could not secure victory on penalties. After a shootout that seemed to last for an eternity, Grimsby eventually prevailed 12-11, clinching a memorable triumph.

United travelled to the east coast to face League Two side Grimsby. It was the first meeting between the two teams for 77 years, since Grimsby’s last spell in the top flight in the 1947/48 season.

The tie should have been a complete mismatch but it was a chance for Grimsby fans to enjoy the visit from one of football’s biggest clubs – and enjoy it they did.

It was Amorim’s first visit to a lower league side since arriving in English football and the Portuguese coach was afforded a rude awakening.

It was also set to be a night of significance for the visitors, whose league form has still shown no sign of improvement. Amorim understands that in his role as United boss, the expectation is that he will deliver trophies.

With no European football and competing for the Premier League title remaining an unrealistic proposition, domestic cups represent United’s only chance to claim silverware this season.

A strong lineup was fielded by the Portuguese manager, including a first start for £73 million striker Benjamin Sesko. There was also a returns to the team for both goalkeeper Andre Onana and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The latter has been linked with both Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid in recent days, as he struggles to find his place in Amorim’s system.

Despite United’s strong starting eleven, it was immediately clear that this would be no walk in the park. Grimsby cut through their defence easily and regularly, and their reinstated goalkeeper was of minimal assistance.

Blundell Park erupted in the 22nd minute with the hosts taking the lead. Charles Vernam was picked out at the back post, where he controlled and fired under Onana at the near post.

The home fans took the opportunity to taunt the visiting manager, who cut a distressed figure as he paced up and down the touchline. His night would only get worse.

Grimsby had the ball in the net a second time in the 28th minute. However, United were spared further embarrassment, as the ball had struck Cameron Gardener’s arm on its way into the goal.

That relief did not last long though. In the 30th minute Onana floundered at a cross, leaving Tyrell Warren to tap it home into any empty net. Grimsby went in at the break with a fully deserved two-goal lead, much to the delight of the home support.

The heavens opened at the start of the second half but they could not provide any inspiration to help United back into the tie. Neither could the reinforcements sent on by Amorim at half-time.

The hosts had the ball in the net for a fourth time in the 71st minute – this one ruled out for a narrow offside.

Amorim’s side finally got the breakthrough in the 75th minute, as Bryan Mbeumo netted his first goal for the club.

Grimsby defended for their lives on an increasingly waterlogged pitch in the final moments, but to no avail. In the 89th minute United finally got level, courtesy of a Harry Maguire header.

The visitors continued to search for a winner but it never came. With the final kick of the game, Sesko lifted an effort over the crossbar from within the six-yard box.

With no extra time on offer, the tie headed straight to penalties.

Grimsby took first and Onana got his hand to the first spot kick but could not keep it out. Bruno Fernandes missed from 12 yards against Fulham on Sunday, but he made no such mistake on this occasion.

Both teams continued to convert until Onana tipped Grimsby’s third penalty onto the crossbar. Matheus Cunha stepped up fifth with the chance to secure victory for United but his poor penalty was comfortably stopped.

Amorim was hidden away in his dugout and could not watch as the shootout entered sudden death.

The shootout rolled on and on, with every taker scoring. After both goalkeepers converted, it went back round to the original takers.

On the 26th penalty, Mbeumo was the man who eventually faltered. His strike ricocheted off the crossbar and out, prompting a pitch invasion as the Grimsby fans entered dreamland.

For Amorim it was a nightmare. Questions on his abilities are increasingly prevalent as United’s struggles continue nine months into his tenure. Tonight’s result will only heighten scrutiny on his position.