Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is facing scrutiny for his decision-making during the club’s Carabao Cup second-round exit to League Two side Grimsby Town, particularly over the order of penalty takers in the shootout.
Following a dramatic 2-2 draw in regulation time, United were defeated 12-11 on penalties. One decision under the spotlight is Amorim assigning striker Benjamin Sesko to take the 10th spot-kick—a move that has drawn criticism from former Chelsea midfielder and pundit Don Hutchinson.
Speaking to ESPN, Hutchinson questioned whether the call was made by Amorim or left to the players to decide. He expressed surprise that Sesko, a number 9 and recent signing expected to show leadership and attacking confidence, didn’t step up earlier in the shootout.
“But he didn’t even put his hand up till number 10,” Hutchinson pointed out. “So, is this on Amorim by not picking him or did Amorim look at the players in the eyes and think, ‘Right, who fancies it?’ Because normally that’s a giveaway.”
Hutchinson argued that had Sesko taken and scored the opening penalty, it might have boosted his confidence and set the tone for the team, even in the context of a shootout.
Amorim’s selection process, whether pre-determined or improvised in the moment, is now part of a broader conversation about the manager’s leadership, with Manchester United enduring a difficult start to the season. The Red Devils have taken just one point from their opening two Premier League fixtures—losing their opener and drawing 2-2 with Fulham—and are currently 16th in the league table ahead of their upcoming match against Burnley.
