Blundell Park, August 28, 2025 – In one of the most seismic shocks in English football history, fourth-tier Grimsby Town eliminated six-time winners Manchester United from the Carabao Cup, prevailing 12-11 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Blundell Park.
The result marks United’s earliest League Cup exit in over a decade and their first-ever defeat to a League Two side, compounding pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, just months into his tenure.
⚽ David vs Goliath: Grimsby’s First-Half Brilliance
Grimsby stunned United with two goals in the first half. Charles Vernam opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on slack defending. Just minutes later, Tyrell Warren, a former Manchester United academy player, doubled the lead, taking advantage of a mistake by goalkeeper André Onana, who had already been under scrutiny this season.
With thunder rumbling overhead and torrential rain lashing the stadium, the Old Trafford giants looked disjointed, disheveled, and desperate.
🔁 United Rally Late – But It’s Not Enough
After the break, United pushed forward with urgency. Bryan Mbeumo, a summer signing from Brentford, clawed one back in the 75th minute with his debut goal for the club. Then, with the clock winding down, Harry Maguire rose highest to head home an 89th-minute equalizer, forcing penalties and offering United a lifeline.
🎯 Shootout Madness: 26 Penalties, One Winner
The ensuing penalty shootout lasted an astonishing 18 minutes, with 26 penalties taken — one of the longest in League Cup history.
United had multiple chances to seal the win. Matheus Cunha saw his spot-kick saved by Grimsby’s hero Christy Pym, and when it fell to Mbeumo again, his sudden-death effort clattered off the crossbar, sparking scenes of unfiltered joy among the 9,000-strong home crowd.
🗣 Fallout and Reaction
A dejected Amorim admitted after the match:
“Everything went wrong. The players have spoken loud and clear tonight. It’s my responsibility, and I apologise to the fans.”
Grimsby boss David Artell, meanwhile, hailed the “courage and composure” of his players:
“This wasn’t luck — we earned every second of it. The boys were immense.”
🔍 What’s Next?
Grimsby will now face Sheffield Wednesday in the third round — and enter it with belief sky-high.
Manchester United, reeling from back-to-back disappointments, face a crucial Premier League clash this weekend, with calls for clarity on the direction under Amorim growing louder.
📊 Match Summary:
Grimsby Town
Goals: Vernam (22’), Warren (30’)
Penalties: 12 ✔
Manchester United
Goals: Mbeumo (75’), Maguire (89’)
Penalties: 11✔
Final Result: Grimsby 2–2 Manchester United (Grimsby win 12–11 on penalties) Venue: Blundell Park, Grimsby Attendance: 9,032 Weather: Stormy, wet, unforgettable
A night for the ages — and a result that will live long in Grimsby folklore.
