Giant Killers! Grimsby Stun Man United in Carabao Cup Thriller

Manchester United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim took a turn for the worse after an unexpected defeat against Grimsby Town, a League Two side, in the League Cup.

The match, held at Grimsby’s Blundell Park, ended with a 12-11 penalty shootout victory for the home side after Bryan Mbeumo missed the final penalty. Manchester United fought back from a 2-0 deficit to tie the game 2-2, thanks to late goals from Mbeumo and Harry Maguire on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.

The loss marks one of the most embarrassing moments in Manchester United’s history, extending their winless streak to three games following a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season.

Grimsby fans celebrated the victory by rushing onto the field after Mbeumo’s missed penalty sealed their team’s advancement in the tournament.

“It’s an amazing feeling, one that will live on forever,” Grimsby’s Charles Vernam, who scored during the match, stated.

Grimsby, currently fourth in League Two, featured several academy players and a Faeroe Islands international in their lineup.

Manchester United’s attack included new signings Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, costing a total of 200 million pounds ($270 million). Cunha also missed his penalty, and Sesko took United’s 10th penalty before goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Following successful penalties by Onana and Grimsby’s Christy Pym, the shootout returned to the outfield players, with Bruno Fernandes scoring for United before Mbeumo’s miss.

“Going into the penalty shootout, the gaffer (manager) said to us, Lads, all the pressure is on them,’ and it was really,” said Grimsby midfielder Kieran Green.

Grimsby goalkeeper Pym admitted divided loyalties, saying, “I’m a Man United fan so I’m half-fuming a little bit.”

Pressure on Amorim

The defeat adds further pressure on Amorim, who has won 16 of his 44 games since becoming Manchester United’s manager in November. He remained in the dugout during the shootout, not watching the penalties.

Despite a promising performance in a 1-0 loss to Arsenal in their Premier League opener, old problems resurfaced in a 1-1 draw against Fulham.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim talks to Kobbie Mainoo
| Photo Credit:
Reuters

The defeat against Grimsby has brought back the negativity of last season.

“The way we started the game without any intensity, we were completely lost,” said Amorim, who apologized to Manchester United’s fans.

Manchester United participated in the second round for the first time since 2014 due to not qualifying for any European competition last season. That year, the team lost 4-0 to MK Dons, another third-tier team, in the same round.

Big win for Brighton

In other League Cup results on Wednesday, Brighton defeated Oxford 6-0, Everton beat Mansfield 2-0, and Fulham secured a 2-0 victory against Bristol City. (AP)
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