Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim issued an apology to fans after his side suffered a humiliating League Cup defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town on Wednesday night. United fought back from two goals down, with Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute header forcing extra time following a poor first-half display at Blundell Park. But the Premier League side were eventually dumped out after a marathon shootout ended 12-11 in Grimsby’s favour, as Bryan Mbeumo struck the bar with United’s final spot-kick. Grimsby, who were dominant in phases, fully deserved their win after outplaying and outfighting their more illustrious opponents. Amorim, under pressure since his appointment last season, suggested the performance exposed a deeper lack of desire within the team. “The players spoke really loud today about what they want,” he said. Asked what went wrong, the Portuguese admitted his side lacked urgency. “Everything. The way we started, we were not even here. Everything is so important in this club. We should do so much better. I just have to say sorry to our fans.” He added that the international break would allow him to reflect on the situation as pressure on his position grows. “It doesn’t matter that we lost on penalties. Football was fair today. The best team won.” Amorim stressed that the result highlighted more than just missed chances. “That is more than a result. That is the biggest problem in the team. It was really clear today. I would like to say very smart things and important things. I have nothing to say. That’s the biggest problem too. Seeing the same mistakes and having nothing to say. I’m really sorry for our fans.” The United boss also argued that expectations were unrealistic given the scale of the club’s problems. “It’s too much sometimes. You cannot change everything in one summer. But you need to win games. You need to avoid this kind of performance. I think this is a little bit the limit.” Goalkeeper Andre Onana, recalled to the starting XI, was culpable for both of Grimsby’s goals—first beaten at his near post and later failing to collect a cross that Tyrell Warren converted. But Amorim refused to single him out. “It’s not about Andre. With all due respect, this is a fourth-division team. It’s not the goalkeeper. It’s more than that.” With United now out of the League Cup, their realistic chances of silverware rest on the FA Cup campaign.