From Van Gaal to Amorim: Why Man United can’t afford another cup humiliation

Manchester United travel to Grimsby Town tonight searching for their first win of the new season — and desperate to avoid the sort of League Cup embarrassment that haunted Louis van Gaal 11 years ago.

Rúben Amorim’s reign at Old Trafford has begun slowly, with a 1-0 opening-day defeat to Arsenal followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw at Fulham. United are already under pressure, and the midweek trip to League Two opposition comes at an awkward time for a side still short of rhythm and confidence.

The parallels with 2014 are striking. Van Gaal also began his United tenure with a defeat and a draw before overseeing a humiliating 4-0 loss to MK Dons in the second round of the League Cup. That night remains one of the darkest in United’s modern history, remembered for Will Grigg’s brace, Benik Afobe’s double, and a much-changed United team crumbling under the spotlight.

Amorim knows he cannot afford a repeat.

United’s absence from European football this season means they enter the League Cup earlier than usual. For Amorim, it is both a blessing and a curse: a potential confidence-builder, but also a trap if his rotated side falls short.

Anything less than a convincing win at Blundell Park will raise fresh questions about his ability to steer United forward, with Sunday’s league clash at Burnley looming large.

Injured: Noussair Mazraoui, Lisandro Martínez

Kick-off: 8pm BST, Wednesday 27 August 2025
Venue: Blundell Park
TV: Sky Sports, ITV

All eyes will be on Benjamin Šeško, the Slovenian striker signed to lead United’s line for years to come. Amorim is expected to hand him his first start, with fans eager to see him open his account.

The manager will also look to fringe players such as Amad and Maguire to prove their worth, while Fernandes’ leadership will be crucial in avoiding complacency against lower-league opposition.

FootballPlace analyst John William warns the risk of a “banana skin” is real:

“United can’t treat this lightly. The scars of MK Dons in 2014 remain fresh with supporters, and Amorim cannot afford to be the next name associated with a shock League Cup exit. The predicted XI has enough quality to win comfortably, but it’s about mentality. A slow start, a hostile crowd, and suddenly pressure builds.”

He added: “Šeško’s debut is the one positive — it gives Amorim a focal point. If he scores early, nerves settle. But United must be ruthless, not cautious.”

Victory tonight would ease pressure and hand United a much-needed platform. A slip-up, however, would be catastrophic — reigniting memories of Van Gaal’s MK Dons humiliation and plunging Amorim into crisis just weeks into the job.

The manager’s task is simple: rotate smartly, take the game seriously, and ensure United leave Grimsby with more than just bruised reputations.

Will Amorim’s United deliver a routine win at Grimsby — or could history repeat itself with another League Cup embarrassment?