Ruben Amorim branded 'coward' for actions during penalty shootout as Man Utd crash out

United, who are playing in the second round of the competition because they are not in Europe, found themselves trailing 2-0 at the interval after Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren struck for the League Two side.

Manager Amorim responded by introducing captain Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs de Ligt for the second half.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire salvaged a 2-2 draw in normal time, forcing the match to penalties.

The shootout lasted 18 minutes and required 26 spot-kicks before Grimsby prevailed 12-11, with Mbeumo hitting the crossbar on his second attempt. The result triggered a pitch invasion and intensified scrutiny on Amorim's position.

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Television footage revealed Amorim's extraordinary behaviour during the decisive penalty shootout, as the Portuguese coach retreated to the bench and refused to watch the spot-kicks unfold.

Cameras captured him slumped in his seat, apparently unable to face the crucial moments of the match.

The 40-year-old's actions drew parallels to his recent habit of looking away during Fulham's corner kicks on Sunday.

His decision to remain seated and avoid viewing the penalties against a League Two opponent sparked immediate outrage among supporters.

Multiple fans took to social media platform X to express their fury at what they perceived as a lack of leadership.

The manager's behaviour during the 18-minute shootout became a focal point of criticism, overshadowing even the humiliating nature of the defeat itself.

Supporters unleashed a torrent of criticism online, with many branding the manager a "coward" for his refusal to watch the shootout.

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One furious fan posted that Sir Alex Ferguson kept his eyes fixed during a Champions League final penalty shootout, whilst Amorim concealed himself from a second-round League Cup match against Grimsby.

Another supporter declared that no Manchester United manager should cower in the dugout during penalties, questioning what message this sent to the players.

Multiple fans called for Amorim's immediate dismissal, with one writing that he should be "sacked before the bus even leaves the ground."

The Portuguese manager's actions were described as "unforgivable" and "an embarrassment," with supporters expressing disbelief that he couldn't bear to watch his team face fourth-division opposition.

"I think the players spoke really loudly about what they want today."

"I just want to apologise to our fans."

"Something has to change and you're not going to change 22 players again."

Ruben Amorim speaks with @gabrielclarke05 after defeat to Grimsby#MUFC | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/anXoVFHoMP

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) August 27, 2025

Earlier in the match, television cameras had captured the 40-year-old adjusting his tactical board whilst his side trailed 2-0, prompting further ridicule from supporters who accused him of "pretending to look busy."

Amorim appeared dejected in his post-match interview, conceding that Grimsby deserved their victory. "I think the best team won, the only team that was on the pitch," he said.

"The best players lose because one team can win against any group of players, and I think the team and the players spoke really loud today."

He acknowledged United's poor start, admitting they began "without any intensity" and were "completely lost" in their approach to pressing.

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Amorim also repeatedly emphasised that the players had "spoke really loud" through their display, repeating the same phrase to multiple media outlets.

United face newly-promoted Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday, seeking their first victory in several matches.