Manchester United were left humiliated on Wednesday after crashing out of the League Cup to fourth-tier Grimsby, losing 12-11 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.
The League Two side stunned United with a 2-0 lead, courtesy of goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren. Despite a late fightback, the Red Devils could not avoid embarrassment. Bryan Mbeumo, who sparked the comeback with his first goal for the club, missed the decisive penalty, increasing the pressure on under-fire boss Ruben Amorim.
Amorim’s position was already under scrutiny following a winless start to the Premier League season, compounded by United’s disastrous 15th-place finish last term, their worst since 1974. This latest setback saw one of their few realistic chances of winning silverware disappear in what many are calling one of the darkest nights in the club’s history.
Amorim rotated heavily, making eight changes, but still fielded a star-studded lineup worth hundreds of millions. Benjamin Sesko made his first start since a £74 million switch from RB Leipzig, while Andre Onana returned in goal but endured a night to forget.
Grimsby, hosting United for the first time since 1948, shocked the visitors early. Vernam’s powerful strike beat Onana at his near post before Warren pounced on a goalkeeping error to double the lead. Onana’s performance may further fuel rumours linking United with a move for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Amorim introduced Bruno Fernandes, Mbeumo, and Matthijs de Ligt at halftime to inspire a turnaround. Mbeumo pulled one back with a fine strike before Harry Maguire’s late header forced extra time. Sesko squandered a golden chance to seal victory before the match went to penalties.
The shootout delivered high drama, with both goalkeepers scoring their penalties. At 12-11, Mbeumo’s miss handed Grimsby a famous victory, sending the Blundell Park crowd into ecstasy.
Elsewhere, Brighton thrashed Oxford 6-0 with Stefanos Tzimas netting twice on his debut, while Fulham and Everton both secured 2-0 wins against Bristol City and Mansfield, respectively.
What you should know
Manchester United’s shock League Cup exit to Grimsby is being described as one of the most humiliating defeats in the club’s modern history.
The result adds further pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, who is already battling criticism after a poor league start.
