Coach Ruben Amorim will never forget his trip to Grimsby and he certainly does not want to return here.
The 11-12 penalty shootout defeat to League Two, after a 2-2 draw in official time, was a big step back for Manchester United and Amorim. That could be the night that marks the beginning of Amorim's power waver.
Losing to Grimsby Town is a disgrace for Man United. They have never lost to a fourth-tier Carabao Cup side before that - having won all 11 previous encounters. But the way they were eliminated in the second round was what caused Amorim's seat to shake fiercely.
Man United were trailing 0-2 and almost lost their third goal, if it had not been for Cameron Gardner's goal anniversary due to an offside error. However, the late goals of Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire helped the "Red Devils" move the match into a penalty shootout. Before that, £74 million rookie Benjamin Sesko also missed a chance to score a goal when he shot over the bar from close range.
In the shootout, Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo both missed shots, contributing to Man United's bitter defeat. After the match, Amorim confused with his statement: "My players have spoken everything for me". That does not seem to be a compliment.
"When you are facing a fourth-tier team, the goalkeeper is not the reason for your failure, but the way the whole team faces the opponent. We are in a period where every detail is being scrutinized. And today, my players have shown everything," Amorim stressed.
Man United's valuable players must have had superior strength compared to Grimsby, despite the team's slow start to the Premier League season when they lost and drew in the opening 2 matches.
But the combination of the home team's spirit and organization and Amorim's refusal to accept that his favorite 3-4-3 system was not suitable for the players caused Man United to suffer a terrible defeat.
There are many side stories in this match. The weak defense, the hopeless efforts of goalkeeper Andre Onana in handling the corner kick led to Grimsby's second goal, the helplessness of midfielders Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte in controlling the match and dominating the midfield area, along with Cunha's careless penalty.
But all of these problems are pieces in a much darker picture at Old Trafford. These are no longer isolated mistakes overnight at Grimsby, but reflect the comprehensive decline of Man United.
Amorim has never completely solved the problem of goalkeepers, defense is constantly lost, the midfield lacks vitality and creativity, and penalties continue to haunt - Bruno Fernandes also just missed a match against Fulham last weekend.
The summer transfer market will close on September 1, but Man United seems helpless in adding personnel. They need a classy goalkeeper, a box-to-box midfielder who is both energetic and good at providing, but the ability to complete these deals is very low.
Above all, Amorim's stubbornness. His 3-4-3 system has proven ineffective in the Premier League, where Man United are often left behind in midfield. However, Amorim was determined to maintain, leaving the striker lacking the ball, while the players continuously moved their wings and cut in instead of directly supporting the spearhead. That conservatism is making tactics the biggest burden, directly threatening his seat.
Things are messy, but since Man United have been in decline for nearly a decade, Amorim is still trying to weather the storm. The problem is that the storm is getting longer and longer, covered in more black clouds than ever.
In Grimsby, the mocking of "years tomorrow morning sacked!" rang out from the stands like a sword spinning, adding to the pain. Although somewhat harsh, they reflect a truth that Amorim finds it difficult to deny.
Amorim was once sympathized with inheriting a failed team from Erik ten Hag last November, but now, this is his own team. And Amorim's record is really bad. 45 games in charge, just 17 wins, 19 losses - Man United's worst rate of any manager since the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The defeat to Grimsby was not only painful but could be the end. Man United and Amorim cannot continue to slide like this. Grimsby may be the weakest opponent they have fallen to, but with the current situation, no one is sure the worst will not happen.
