On Wednesday, a stunning upset occurred in the second round of the 2025-26 Carabao Cup as fourth-tier team Grimsby Town eliminated Manchester United.
The gap between these teams is significant, not just in their league status but also in their financial strength. Grimsby Town’s squad is valued at €3.60 million, while Manchester United boasts a staggering €887.20 million valuation, according to Transfermarkt.
This means that Manchester United’s squad is €883.60 million more valuable than that of Grimsby Town.
Grimsby Town stuns Manchester United
On the pitch, however, Grimsby Town held a strong position, leading 2-0 for most of the match until United managed to level the score, taking the game to penalties.
Grimsby Town celebrates their victory against Manchester United.
Unfortunately for the visitors, their comeback efforts fell short. Grimsby Town secured the win, sparking a wave of memes on social media about Manchester United’s surprising exit from the Carabao Cup.
Underperforming stars in Manchester United squad
Andre Onana faced heavy criticism after making only one save during the penalty shootout. Since his transfer to Manchester for €50.20 million in 2023, his performances have not met expectations, highlighting the financial divide between the two clubs.
While Onana’s market value stands at 25 million euros, Grimsby Town’s Christy Pym is valued at just 350,000 euros, per Transfermarkt. Matheus Cunha, who recently joined United for €74.20 million from Wolves, also disappointed fans by missing his penalty.