‘We Looked Each Other in the Eye’ – Matthijs de Ligt Reveals Man Utd Dressing Room’s Honest Reaction to Grimsby Defeat

A Shock That Rocked Old Trafford

Manchester United’s 12-11 penalty shootout loss to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup wasn’t just another bad night at the office — it was a historical humiliation. For the first time in their storied history, the Red Devils were dumped out of a domestic cup competition by a team from the fourth tier of English football.

The defeat sent shockwaves across the footballing world. United, one of the Premier League’s traditional heavyweights, were already under intense scrutiny following a disappointing 15th-place finish last season. Hopes of a fresh start under Ruben Amorim this campaign had quickly been dented with an opening defeat to Arsenal and a 1-1 draw with Fulham. But losing to Grimsby, a side with a fraction of United’s resources, hit differently.

While the headlines questioned Amorim’s suitability for the job, defender Matthijs de Ligt has now shed light on what really went on behind the closed doors of the dressing room that night. His words paint a picture not of excuses or finger-pointing, but of accountability, unity, and a group trying desperately to stop the spiral.

What Happened: A Collapse Few Saw Coming

United entered the clash against Grimsby with hopes of using the Carabao Cup as a launchpad. It should have been a routine evening — a chance for fringe players to get minutes and the team to rebuild confidence. Instead, it became the stuff of nightmares.

Sluggish in possession, shaky at the back, and devoid of attacking sharpness, United were embarrassed by their League Two opponents. The game eventually went to penalties, where both sides showed remarkable nerve — until the shootout ended in the most improbable of scores: 12-11 to Grimsby.

It was a symbolic low point. United, once famed for their ability to grind out wins in difficult circumstances, had faltered in a manner that left supporters questioning not only the manager’s methods but also the mentality of the players themselves.

Manchester United v Burnley – Premier League

The Bigger Picture: Amorim Under Fire

Inevitably, the fallout was fierce. United’s form since Amorim’s arrival had been patchy, and the Grimsby defeat intensified calls for change. Questions over recruitment, tactical identity, and the long-term direction of the club all resurfaced.

But for all the outside noise, what really mattered was how the players responded inside the dressing room. And that’s where De Ligt, one of United’s leaders and one of the few signings to arrive with a reputation for mental toughness, stepped up to offer clarity.

What De Ligt Said: Honesty, Accountability, and Unity

Speaking candidly to reporters, De Ligt revealed that the immediate aftermath of the Grimsby defeat wasn’t filled with shouting or blame games. Instead, it was about looking inward.

“As players, you are responsible for the results. They (outside the club) always speak about the manager, obviously, but I think as players we also looked each other in the eye after Grimsby and said to each other, ‘guys, the performance of this week is not acceptable.’”

The Dutchman made it clear: this was not about pinning the blame on Amorim.

“It will be really bad to say that it’s the manager’s fault. It’s mostly us, and we know that. We still stand behind him, and he stands behind us, so we keep going like that.”

In those words, De Ligt echoed what many within the squad reportedly felt — that it wasn’t Amorim’s tactical board that had failed, but the players’ execution and mentality.

Looking Each Other in the Eye: The Importance of Honest Conversations

Football dressing rooms can be volatile places after a defeat, but sometimes the most powerful moments come from silence and self-reflection. De Ligt hinted that there wasn’t much said because no words were really necessary.

“I don’t think there’s been much said (among the players) because everybody knows how the feeling was. I think everybody from outside could also understand what the feeling is if you lose a game like that.”

This wasn’t about fiery speeches. It was about recognition. Each player, from senior professionals to academy graduates, knew they had let the club down.

For a United squad that has often been accused of lacking accountability in recent years, De Ligt’s words may offer a glimmer of hope — a suggestion that the culture is shifting, that players are willing to take ownership rather than hiding behind managerial scapegoating.

A Small Step Forward: Burnley Win Eases the Pain

If the Grimsby defeat was the nadir, United’s narrow 3-2 win over Burnley days later provided at least some relief. It wasn’t vintage United by any stretch, but it was a reminder that football moves quickly.

De Ligt himself admitted that victory was “the only cure” for the pain of the midweek embarrassment:

“We were really disappointed in ourselves, so then to win today was I think the only cure that could a little bit help the defeat of Wednesday.”

It wasn’t about erasing the memory — nothing could do that — but about ensuring the humiliation didn’t define their season.

De Ligt on Amorim: Backing the Boss

The Dutchman also offered insight into what it’s been like working under Amorim during such a turbulent period:

“I find it quite good playing under Amorim. I feel good, I feel physically good.”

That statement, while simple, carries weight. It suggests the players haven’t lost belief in the Portuguese manager’s methods. For a club that has burned through coaches in recent years, that unity could prove vital.

Still, results will always be the ultimate judge. And with a Manchester derby against City looming after the international break, Amorim and his squad cannot afford another slip.

Did You Know?

Manchester United v Burnley – Premier League

• Historic Low: The Grimsby defeat marked the first time Manchester United had ever been eliminated from a cup competition by a fourth-tier side.

• Penalty Marathon: The 12-11 shootout scoreline was one of the longest in recent English cup history, with nearly every outfield player stepping up.

• Leadership Role: Since arriving from Bayern Munich, De Ligt has quickly become a vocal figure in the dressing room, despite only being in Manchester for a short time.

What Comes Next for Manchester United?

United’s next test couldn’t be bigger. A trip to the Etihad to face Manchester City after the international break is the kind of fixture that will expose any lingering scars from the Grimsby humiliation.

For Amorim, it’s a chance to prove his project still has legs. For the players, it’s about showing that their words in the dressing room — their vows of accountability — translate into performances on the pitch.

As De Ligt himself put it, looking each other in the eye is one thing. Producing a performance worthy of Manchester United is another.

Conclusion: Words Must Become Actions

Matthijs de Ligt’s candid reflections offered supporters a rare glimpse behind the curtain. There was no sugarcoating, no hiding from the scale of the humiliation. The players owned their mistakes, defended their manager, and vowed to respond.

But at Old Trafford, words alone will not be enough. United fans have heard them before. Now, with a derby against City looming, it is time for performances, results, and perhaps even redemption.

Because if the Grimsby defeat taught United anything, it’s that the badge on the shirt doesn’t guarantee victory — but the honesty to face your failings just might be the first step toward recovery.