Man Utd face fresh transfer headache after Grimsby debacle

Manchester United’s Carabao Cup loss at Grimsby Town on Wednesday threatens to echo into the closing stages of the transfer market as Ruben Amorim’s problems at Old Trafford mount.

United were surprisingly dumped out of the League Cup on penalties by the League Two side after they fought back to secure a 2-2 draw over 90 minutes in sodden conditions.

On a wretched evening for the Ineos-owned club, they were ultimately embarrassed in a marathon shootout.

The loss against Grimsby leaves United with another unwelcome problem as they seek to improve their squad in the closing days of the transfer window, though.

Amorim deployed what was, on paper, a reasonably strong team. There were changes throughout the starting XI, but big-money signings Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko both started, with the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo getting the chance to shine in midfield.

But it’s no secret that there are underlying weaknesses in this Man Utd squad that need to be addressed.

United are on the hunt for a new goalkeeper, potentially a new central midfielder and will be eagerly keeping an eye open for opportunities across the defence.

Targets just got a lot more expensive

The problem they face now is that every selling club knows exactly how desperate they are to sign. In losing to Grimsby in one of the most seismic cup shocks of the 21st century, it has been laid bare just how poor a state this team is in.

Instantly, the bargaining position of selling clubs has improved. They know that they can, for example, ask for €25 million for a €20m player, knowing that United are running out of time to look for a desperately needed alternative.

Suddenly, every player that United are chasing has become that little bit more expensive – and with the club already struggling to sign this summer, it’s the last thing they need.

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