Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has apologised to supporters after his side’s humiliating League Cup exit to fourth-tier Grimsby Town on Wednesday night.

United fought back from 2-0 down at Blundell Park, with Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute header forcing a penalty shootout. But after a marathon contest that ended 12-11 in favour of Grimsby, Bryan Mbeumo’s miss confirmed United’s elimination.

Grimsby, who outfought and outplayed their Premier League visitors for much of the tie, were widely considered deserving winners.

Speaking after the game, Amorim admitted his team failed to show urgency and spirit.

“Everything. The way we started, we were not even here,” the Portuguese coach said. “Everything is so important in this club. We should do so much better. I just have to say sorry to our fans.”

Amorim, under pressure since his appointment last season, said the result reflected deeper issues at the club.

“The players spoke really loud today what they want. Doesn’t matter that we lost on penalties. Football was fair today. The best team won,” he told reporters.

The defeat leaves United’s realistic hopes of silverware resting on the FA Cup, with Amorim promising to reflect during the international break.

Onana, back in the starting line-up, endured a difficult night, beaten at his near post for Grimsby’s opener and failing to deal with a cross that led to Tyrell Warren’s goal. 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,” he said.

The United boss admitted expectations remain high but warned that the squad’s problems cannot be fixed in a single transfer window.

“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,” Amorim concluded.