Manchester United: Ruben Amorim retains backing of the club

The defeat at Grimsby is the first time United have lost to fourth-tier opposition. Amorim did not shirk media duties afterwards and spoke to in-house station MUTV on his bleak assessment of the situation.

“Let’s focus on the next game and then we have time to think about things,” he said.

“We have a job to do, a job to prepare, and then we will stop and think things through.”

The Portuguese manager opted not to clarify his comments, which even inside Old Trafford have been interpreted by some as the 40-year-old considering his future.

It is not the first time this has happened. It was reported he offered to resign at one stage last season, although this has never been confirmed. In the summer, Amorim described his desire to do a good job and emotional response when he doesn’t as “an ego thing”.

He is bound to be asked about his comments when he speaks to the media on Friday afternoon before his side’s Premier League game against Burnley at Old Trafford the following day.

Immediately after the international break United go to Etihad Stadium for the first Manchester derby of the season. Chelsea visit Old Trafford the following week, while a trip to old rivals Liverpool looms on 19 October.

He will also be asked to expand on his claim that his players “spoke really loud today what they want”. Even within the dressing room, which appeared so supportive of Amorim during a pre-season notable for the unity in the camp, there is uncertainty over what the former Sporting coach was saying.

Few players who started last night’s game put forward a convincing case for selection against Burnley, including midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who completed the full 90 minutes, and goalkeeper Andre Onana, whose mistake for Grimsby’s second goal made a bad situation worse.

Eyebrows were also raised at £73.7m forward Benjamin Sesko being the last outfield player to take a penalty for United in the marathon shootout, which extended to 13 shots for each side.

Sources have said the decision was taken as Sesko, who was completing his first competitive 90 minutes since 19 April, was experiencing cramp due to a pitch that had become heavy with rainfall.