Manchester United’s struggles under Ruben Amorim deepened on Wednesday night as they crashed out of the League Cup following a shock defeat to League Two side Grimsby Town, Afrosport reports.
The Red Devils were eliminated in dramatic fashion, losing 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time at Blundell Park.
😳 ONE OF THE BIGGEST CUPSETS EVER! #EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/e8wMsNTqOR
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) August 27, 2025
United, entering the competition in the second round due to last season’s disappointing 15th-place Premier League finish, endured a nightmare first half. Charles Vernam opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, beating Andre Onana at his near post – the Cameroonian should have done a lot better.
The United shot-stopper was the culprit once again as Tyrell Warren doubled Grimsby’s advantage eight minutes later. The hosts even had two further goals ruled out – one for handball and another for offside.
Amorim turned to his big stars after the break, and the visitors pulled one back in the 75th minute. Summer signing Bryan Mbeumo opened his account with a well-placed left-footed strike into the bottom corner.
The Premier League side kept on asking and they found the equaliser in the 89th minute, with Harry Maguire heading home Mason Mount’s corner at the far post.
The comeback nearly turned into victory, but Benjamin Sesko spurned a golden opportunity from close range. With no breakthrough in extra time, the tie was settled by a marathon shoot-out. After Onana saved Clarke Oduor’s spot-kick, Matheus Cunha had the chance to win it for United but saw his penalty saved by Christy Pym.
The contest went into sudden death, with Grimsby’s Darragh Burns converting their 12th kick. Mbeumo stepped up needing to score but struck the post, sending the fourth-tier side through in stunning fashion.
The defeat leaves a sour taste in the mouth for Amorim and his players, who are yet to win a game this season – suffering two defeats and one draw. The Red Devils return to Premier League action on Saturday when they host Burnley at Old Trafford, desperate to spark their campaign into life before the international break.
