Sam McGrath

Grimsby shock United in Carabao Cup as penalties seal a structureless exit A shellshocked Ruben Amorim apologised to fans after Grimsby’s Carabao Cup win on penalties. Yet he questioned his players’ desire, saying they spoke loud about what they want. Grimsby led 2-0 at halftime through Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren. United forced penalties with…

Carabao Cup humiliation is the latest setback for a coach who may actually be the last real thing at Manchester United The Carabao Cup humiliation marks the latest setback for a coach who may be United’s last real thing. He walks the press room like a wounded romantic and a cautious archivist. Moreover he clings…

Grimsby Town conjures a night of heart and structure against United Heart, organisation and bravery found a way on a night that will be talked about for decades. Some nights you know, even as they happen, will stay with you forever. Wednesday night at Blundell Park was one of them. A full house, the world’s…

Grimsby 2-2 Manchester United then penalties: the lost tempo returns to haunt Old Trafford Grimsby knocked Manchester United out in the Carabao Cup by penalties, a wet night that exposed more than fatigue. The Mariners carved the shape of a squad united by belief, while United mislaid their tempo. I hear José in the corner,…

The Lost Tempo and the Shadow Play of Manchester United My binder is heavier than my pride. I speak of structure, shape and shadow play as if they were saints. The manager who once whispered about the lost tempo still speaks in clockwork tones. Jose Mourinho would whisper to the press about discipline and order…

Amorim under pressure as United stumble toward the season’s edge The board backs Ruben Amorim for now, but the Grimsby setback has sharpened the mood. Inside the dressing room, questions about his tactics and man management have grown louder. Club insiders warn a poor run could force his hand to resign. Amorim is under severe…

Amorim faces the malaise at United with a tactical hinge in the international break The despairing coach pins the malaise on stubborn patterns and a fragile sense of identity. Meanwhile the club lives in a spiral of stop start results and growing public scrutiny. He apologised to fans after United’s defeat on penalties to Grimsby…

Grimsby Town stun Manchester United in Carabao Cup shocker as the lost tempo returns Grimsby Town stunned Manchester United in the Carabao Cup. The League Two side delivered a historic upset at Blundell Park. Wayne Brightmore, 49, watched with dreamlike shock. “I felt like I was dreaming honestly,” Brightmore said. Seeing us beat Manchester United…

Garnacho to Chelsea a bitter ledger as Nkunku edges toward Milan Manchester United have agreed to sell Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea for £40m plus a 10% sell on fee. The winger will be United’s fourth highest value sale ever. The 21 year old Argentina international has been training away from the first team since the…

How Ruben Amorim could stop the rot, Brighton to go Greek and an Anfield baptism of fire for Eberechi Eze Yet Chelsea wobble exposes a truth they refuse to name. Palmer is brilliant but not a solvent plan. Without him the squad must lean on collective structure and shadow play. Maresca has options even if…