Premier League Players are behind Amorim, says United's De Ligt

MATTHIJS de Ligt says Manchester United’s players “stand behind” Ruben Amorim and deserve more blame than the under-fire head coach for the humiliating defeat to Grimsby.

- Simon PEACH

An air of early-season optimism around Old Trafford was extinguished on a calamitous night in Cleethorpes, where they stumbled to a 2-2 draw before losing 12-11 on penalties to the League Two side.

Wednesday's Carabao Cup exit plunged United into crisis and put boss Amorim under the microscope heading into Saturday's must-win Premier League clash with promoted Burnley at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils were heading for a point and more uncomfortable questions after twice blowing the lead, but Bruno Fernandes’ stoppage-time spot-kick sealed a much-needed 3-2 victory.

“I think the only thing that counted today was a win,” United defender De Ligt said.

“Everybody saw how. We know we could have done that better, but the win was the most important thing.”