Grimsby Stun Manchester United in Historic League Cup Upset
Manchester United suffered one of the most humiliating defeats in their history on Wednesday, crashing out of the League Cup to fourth-tier Grimsby Town after a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout loss, following a 2-2 draw in regular time.
Grimsby, a League Two side, were deservedly 2-0 ahead with just 15 minutes remaining thanks to goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren, sparking wild celebrations among the 9,000 fans at Blundell Park, who had waited since 1948 to host United.
Bryan Mbeumo gave United hope with a stunning strike to open his account for the club, and Harry Maguire’s late header forced a shootout. But Mbeumo would ultimately become the villain, crashing the final penalty off the crossbar after a marathon round of spot-kicks.
The result heaps further pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, whose position is under growing scrutiny after a winless start to the Premier League season. Last year’s 15th-place finish—the club’s worst since relegation in 1974—left little margin for error, and now one of their two realistic shots at silverware has vanished.
Despite making eight changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Fulham, Amorim still fielded a lineup brimming with international talent and worth hundreds of millions. Benjamin Sesko made his first start for the club following a £74 million move from RB Leipzig, while Andre Onana returned in goal—but endured a night to forget.
Vernam broke the deadlock on 22 minutes, beating Onana at his near post with a low drive. Grimsby doubled their lead shortly after halftime when Onana failed to deal with a corner and Warren pounced on the rebound. Onana’s shaky performance may accelerate United’s rumoured pursuit of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens before the transfer window closes.
Amorim reacted with urgency, bringing on captain Bruno Fernandes, Mbeumo, and Matthijs de Ligt at the break. United dominated the second half, but lacked cutting edge until Mbeumo curled home from distance.
In a sign of Amorim’s desperation, Harry Maguire was again deployed as a late attacking option—and delivered with a towering header from Mason Mount’s corner in the 89th minute.
Sesko had a golden opportunity to seal victory in stoppage time but blazed over from close range, setting the stage for a nerve-shredding shootout.
Matheus Cunha had a chance to win it for United at 4-4, only to be denied by Grimsby keeper Christy Pym. Both sides then converted 15 consecutive penalties, including their goalkeepers, before Mbeumo struck the bar, sealing an unforgettable night for the underdogs.
Elsewhere, Brighton cruised into the third round with a 6-0 thrashing of Oxford United, with debutant Stefanos Tzimas netting twice. Fulham and Everton also progressed with 2-0 victories over Bristol City and Mansfield Town, respectively.
AFP
