Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is still believed to have the support of the club’s hierarchy despite the humiliating Carabao Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby.
Amorim’s post-match comments at Blundell Park raised questions about his future, particularly after United had to come from two goals down just to force penalties, following an hour in which they were clearly second best.
However, sources close to the situation insist that the board remains committed to the project under the Portuguese coach and are not considering knee-jerk decisions.
The feeling inside Old Trafford is that Amorim’s appointment was always seen as a long-term plan.
Executives are wary of repeating past mistakes, having dismissed Erik ten Hag last October just months after handing him a substantial transfer budget.
This summer, United spent around £200m on attacking players, although departures are still expected with Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Rasmus Højlund in line to join Chelsea, Real Betis and Napoli respectively.
The defeat at Grimsby marked the first time United have ever lost to fourth-tier opposition in the League Cup.
Amorim faced the media afterwards, telling MUTV: “Let’s focus on the next game and then we have time to think about things. We have a job to do, a job to prepare, and then we will stop and think things through.”
His refusal to clarify those remarks has sparked speculation that he may be reflecting on his future, with some even recalling reports that he once offered to resign last season, though this was never confirmed.
In the summer, Amorim described his desire to succeed and his emotional reaction to failure as “an ego thing.”
Amorim is expected to face more questions about his future when he speaks to the press on Friday, ahead of United’s clash with Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday.
After the international break, fixtures intensify with a trip to Manchester City, followed by meetings with Chelsea at home and Liverpool away by mid-October.
Adding to the uncertainty, Amorim hinted that there may be issues within the squad, saying his players “spoke really loud today what they want.” Even inside the dressing room, where there had been a strong show of unity during pre-season, that comment has caused confusion over the exact message the manager was trying to send.
Few of those involved at Grimsby strengthened their case for selection this weekend. Kobbie Mainoo completed the full 90 minutes but struggled to impress, while goalkeeper Andre Onana’s mistake gifted the home side their second goal.
Questions were also asked about the decision to leave Benjamin Sesko as the final outfield penalty taker in the marathon shootout, which stretched to 13 attempts each. Club sources explained that Sesko, playing his first full 90 minutes since April, was suffering from cramp on a rain-soaked pitch.
