Manchester United’s Problems Persist: Is it Still the Manager?

Manchester United’s Problems Persist: Is it Still the Manager?

Manchester United’s shocking exit to League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup has reignited debate over Rúben Amorim’s future at Old Trafford. Despite being backed by the club’s owners, questions are mounting over whether the Portuguese manager is running out of time to get results and win over a squad that appears increasingly unsettled.

The defeat was made all the more glaring by Amorim’s post-match remark that “the players spoke really loudly”, a cryptic statement that immediately caught headlines. Observers have been left speculating about its meaning: was it a warning to the squad, a sign of internal tension, or even a hint that the manager himself could be considering his position if performances do not improve?

As Manchester United prepare for a high-pressure, must-win clash against Burnley this weekend, both the result and the headlines have intensified scrutiny on Amorim, prompting fresh questions about his tactics, the squad’s belief in him, and whether the manager is the right man to lead the club through a turbulent period.

A Humiliating Exit at Blundell Park

United’s defeat to League Two Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup was more than just a bad night – it was a public embarrassment. United fell 2-0 behind at half-time, struggling to impose themselves in the first 45 minutes against a side three divisions below them. They eventually draw level late in normal time before losing 12-11 on penalties, leaving supporters stunned.

The result highlighted not just tactical flaws but also a lack of intensity and focus. Grimsby played with confidence and composure, making the Premier League side look sluggish and disorganised. The defeat has intensified pressure on manager Rúben Amorim, raising questions about his tactics, team selection, and ability to inspire the squad.

▪️ Manchester United’s squad value: £769M
▪️Grimsby’s squad value: £3.1M

Current score: Grimsby 2-0 Man Utd 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/5xdVwxOuev

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) August 27, 2025

“The players spoke really loudly”

After the match, Amorim said that “the players spoke really loudly”, referring to their actions on the pitch rather than words in the dressing room. The phrase reflected his frustration with a performance that fell far below the standards expected at Manchester United. In the first half, when United fell 2-0 behind, the team appeared disconnected from his tactical instructions, leaving the defence exposed and the midfield disjointed.

The remark has left many observers questioning its meaning. Some see it as a subtle critique, suggesting the players failed to execute his plan and may not fully believe in his approach. Others have speculated that it could hint at wider unrest in the squad, with senior players potentially resisting the system or not fully committing to his ideas.

Adding to the intrigue, the comment has also prompted speculation about Amorim’s own future. Could it be a veiled warning that he might consider leaving if the squad does not respond? While nothing has been confirmed, the ambiguity has intensified scrutiny of both the manager and the players, making upcoming fixtures even more high-pressure.

Overall, the statement highlights tension within the club. It raises questions not just about tactical execution but also about whether United’s players are fully buying into Amorim’s leadership and philosophy.

"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

Tactical Issues – A System That Struggles

Amorim’s preferred 3-4-3 formation has struggled in the Premier League. Against Grimsby, it left the midfield isolated and the defence exposed, particularly in the first half. The squad often looked unsure of their roles, with passing sequences predictable and movement lacking any form of urgency.

Pundits have noted that, with all due respect to the exceptional Grimsby, United’s players are of a standard that such an opponent should not pose this level of challenge. Many have argued that the result shows it should not matter what formation is used; the squad should have the quality and football intelligence to control the game without needing detailed instructions to beat a lower-league side.

The tactics that worked at Sporting Lisbon have not translated well to English football, and the team’s inability to adjust mid-game has been costly. This inflexibility has frustrated talented players and limited opportunities for emerging stars like Kobbie Mainoo.

Who Could Replace Amorim?

Speculation has already shifted to potential successors if Amorim were to resign or be dismissed. Reports suggest that Manchester United may already have a contingency plan in place, with several names being monitored should the need arise. Two of the most talked-about candidates are Oliver Glasner of Crystal Palace and Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth.

Glasner has impressed at Palace with his organised, adaptable system and ability to get results from a limited squad. He also has recency bias on his side, having won the FA Cup against Manchester City and the Community Shield against Liverpool in the last three months.

Meanwhile, Iraola has transformed Bournemouth with an energetic, attacking style, building a team capable of challenging stronger opposition. Both are considered tactically astute and capable of instilling cohesion – qualities United desperately need.

The fact these names are being discussed, alongside reports of a contingency plan, underlines the precariousness of Amorim’s position. If performances do not improve quickly, the board may be forced to act, demonstrating that even with backing from ownership, patience at Old Trafford is limited.

💣🚨🚨BREAKING: Two of the names on the official shortlist to replace Ruben Amorim are Oliver Glasner and Andoni Iraola, among others.

[@caughtoffside]

If these are the candidates to replace Amorim, we’d be better off sticking with him through thick and thin! 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/uZbjTGLse0

— mufcytp (@mufcytp) August 28, 2025

Dressing Room Dynamics and Player Development

Amorim’s observation about the players “speaking loudly” also sheds light on squad dynamics. It points to frustration over lack of intensity and execution, and some believe senior players have failed to lead, while others struggle to fully buy into the manager’s approach.

Adding to the complexity, Kobbie Mainoo has reportedly requested a loan move rather than a permanent exit, after a season of frustration in 2024/25 which saw his minutes limited. The midfielder is one of United’s brightest young talents, and his desire for regular playing time highlights concerns over how the manager is integrating youth into the first team. This situation underscores wider worries about squad management and long-term planning.

🚨 Kobbie Mainoo has no intention to leave Man United on permanent deal despite reports, only loan in his view.

Kobbie wants to go and play on regular basis, Man United keep blocking his exit. pic.twitter.com/uTecM4q17V

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 29, 2025

Looking Ahead – Pressure Mounts Ahead of Burnley

The defeat at Grimsby has left Manchester United under the magnifying glass as they prepare to host Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday. What might have been a routine home fixture now carries enormous pressure, not just to secure three points, but to reassure supporters that the team can respond after such a damaging setback.

Amorim’s post-match comments have also added to the speculation surrounding his future. Many are now left wondering whether he might resign, particularly if the players are struggling to fully buy into his style of play or his leadership. The remark that “the players spoke really loud today” is seen by some as a signal that belief in the manager may be wavering, raising questions over whether he still has full control of the dressing room.

The Burnley match is now about more than points; it is a test of character for both the manager and the players. A positive response could restore confidence, but another poor display would deepen doubts about Amorim’s ability to stabilise Manchester United.

Is Amorim the Right Man?

United’s struggles are not solely down to Amorim, but he is the figure under the microscope. Poor results, inconsistent performances, and evident squad frustration have placed him into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The defeat at Grimsby – particularly being 2-0 down at half-time – symbolises much more than a cup exit; it highlights ongoing problems with tactics, recruitment, and cohesion.

While some argue structural issues at the club have created these difficulties, the manager inevitably carries the burden. Until results improve and the team shows discipline, focus, and belief in his methods, the question of whether Amorim is the right man for the job will continue to loom.