Can Ruben Amorim survive as Man United boss after Grimsby defeat?

19 defeats in 45 games 

Manchester United suffered one of the most embarrassing results in their history against Grimsby Town to escalate the pressure on Rúben Amorim. Despite enduring a challenging time across the last decade, United are still widely regarded as one of the biggest clubs in the world and exiting the League Cup to League Two minnows is simply unacceptable. Amorim’s men lost 12-11 on penalties but they were fortunate to even reach that stage as they trailed 2-0 heading into the final 15 minutes after a disastrous showing. It was a true David vs Goliath clash with 56 places separating them in the English football pyramid and €884.5m in market value, but Grimsby clinched a famous win.

The manner of United’s performance will send alarm bells ringing amongst the club’s hierarchy with Amorim’s record since arriving from Sporting CP disastrous. The Portuguese boss looked completely defeated post-match and intimated that his player had lost faith in his leadership. Amorim said: "If we don't show up, you can feel that something has to change and you are not going to change 22 players again. "I think the team and the players spoke really loud today. That's it. We lost. I just want to say I'm really sorry to the fans.” United have backed Amorim heavily this summer but can the 40-year-old survive losing to Grimsby?

Will Ruben Amorim remain as Manchester United manager?

It was the first time in United’s history that they’d lost in the League Cup to fourth tier opposition and it raises serious doubts over Amorim’s stewardship. The charismatic coach arrived with a glowing reputation after transforming Sporting but his record in England is appalling. The defeat to Grimsby was Amorim’s 45th game in charge and he’s lost more games (19) than he’s won (17).

 Amorim’s points per game of 1.33 is the worst of any manager post Sir-Alex Ferguson and only two managers with more than 40 games have an inferior record in the club’s history - Herbert Bamlett, Walter Crickmer and Scott Duncan (all managed before 1950). The former Sporting head coach led United to their worst ever Premier League finish last season in 15th and there’s been little sign of improvement despite spending €230 million this summer. Amorim has retained the overwhelming support of United’s hardcore support through difficult times but the embarrassment of losing to Grimsby could prove fatal.