Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in agreement over Ruben Amorim's Man Utd behaviour

Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have slammed Ruben Amorim's decision to turn away during Manchester United penalties. The Red Devils crashed out of the Carabao Cup to Grimsby Town following a tense shootout.

Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes saved the game against Burnley, sealing a 3-2 win in United's favour thanks to a coolly converted spot kick. Amorim faced fierce criticism after his team's shock cup elimination, with the boss's choice to avoid watching United's penalties only intensifying the backlash.

The United manager witnessed his team throw away the lead twice against Burnley at the weekend before Fernandes delivered in the 97th minute. Yet Amorim's touchline conduct has drawn condemnation from Lineker and Shearer after he similarly turned away from the decisive goal at Old Trafford on Saturday.

READ MORE: Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim slammed for wasting 'genius' in unfamiliar role

READ MORE: Lisandro Martinez makes telling remark about Man Utd flop Cristiano Ronaldo backed

Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Lineker said: "I don't think I've been particularly critical of Amorim because I think it's a difficult job. I think the club's in a bit of a pickle and it generally filters down from the top, as we've said many times, and I think he's probably a very good coach.

"He's probably come into a situation which he didn't realise before he took the job. But, I have to say this, if you're the manager or coach of a side and you hide in the dugout and not be prepared to watch your own players, some of them very young players, take penalties. I honestly... I mean, come on.

"This is the second or third round of the Carabao Cup for crying out loud! Do me a favour. That's not leadership. Leadership is, you've got to stand up and be there for your players. I think that's really important."

Co-host Shearer agreed with Lineker's sentiments as the Premier League icon said: "I thought that was a terrible look, him cowering away in the dugout, leaving some young players, some players that are making their first starts. Like everyone else, I thought it was an awful look for a manager to sit there hiding."

Discussing United's recent triumph over Burnley, Shearer added: "He did the same yesterday. He wasn't watching when Bruno was taking the penalty yesterday in the last minute. Slightly different, I guess."

The victory against Burnley has seen United amass four points from their initial three league matches. On the transfer front, United are reportedly finalising a deal for goalkeeper Senne Lammens, amid the less-than-stellar beginnings for Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana this season.

Nonetheless, Lineker couldn't shake off Amorim's approach to penalties in United's recent fixtures. The former Match of the Day host defended the manager when he faced ridicule for using a tactics board during the Grimsby match, yet he contends that Amorim is projecting the wrong image to his squad regarding penalties.

He said: "I had no issue with the tactics board thing because they all have certain ways of doing the tactics, some notes and stuff. That was fine. I just think not watching your team take penalties, even if it's a superstition... I mean, no. I'm sorry."

Lineker also expressed his bafflement at former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp's habit of looking away during penalty shootouts, explaining: "I know Klopp sometimes didn't watch penalties but I don't get it. I'll say the same about Klopp.

"I never really understood that because, well, it ain't going to change it for a start. Also you need to see what your players are doing. It's something that I can't quite get my head around."

As the Premier League gears up to return following the international break, Amorim's squad is set to face Manchester City on Sunday 14 September. Pep Guardiola's side is coming off back-to-back league defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion, following an emphatic victory over Wolves in their season opener.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.