Manchester United’s nightmare start to the season deepened on Wednesday night as they suffered a humiliating League Cup exit to League Two side Grimsby, losing 12-11 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Blundell Park.
The fourth-tier club, meeting United for the first time since 1948, stunned the visitors with a fearless display in front of a jubilant 9,000-capacity crowd.
⚽ Grimsby Shock United with First-Half Goals
Charles Vernam opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a powerful low strike that beat Andre Onana at his near post. Moments later, Tyrell Warren doubled the lead after Onana failed to deal with a corner, leaving United in disarray at half-time.
Cameron Gardner also had a goal ruled out for handball, but Grimsby’s dominance highlighted the gulf in desire despite the three-division gap.
⚽ United Fight Back but Fall Short
Manager Ruben Amorim, under increasing pressure after a winless start in the Premier League, made eight changes but still fielded a squad worth hundreds of millions, including debutant Benjamin Sesko (£74m signing) and returning goalkeeper Onana.
Desperate to avoid disaster, Amorim brought on Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, and Bryan Mbeumo at half-time. The changes inspired a late comeback as Mbeumo curled in a brilliant strike before Harry Maguire headed home Mason Mount’s corner in the 89th minute to force penalties.
Sesko then wasted a golden chance to seal victory in stoppage time, blazing over from close range.
⚽ Marathon Penalty Shootout
The shootout turned into a tense marathon, with both teams converting until Matheus Cunha missed the chance to win it for United at 4-4. After 15 consecutive successful penalties, Mbeumo struck the crossbar, sealing a famous night for Grimsby and a humiliating exit for United.
⚽ Pressure Mounts on Amorim
The defeat leaves United in crisis. The 20-time English champions, who finished a disastrous 15th last season, are now out of one of their two realistic chances at silverware this campaign. Rumors of a move for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens may intensify after Onana’s poor display.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the competition, Brighton thrashed Oxford 6-0, Fulham beat Bristol City 2-0, and Everton advanced with a 2-0 win over Mansfield.
