Manchester United Crash Out Of Carabao Cup With Crushing Loss To League Two's Grimsby

Last Updated:August 28, 2025, 07:27 IST

Manchester United crashed out of the League Cup after a 12-11 penalty loss to Grimsby, despite late goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire, deepening pressure on Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire in disbelief after their loss to Grimsby (AFP)

It seems like Manchester United are set to live out the same old story in a brand new season, as the Ruben Amorim-led side crashed out of the League Cup after a crushing loss to fourth-tier Grimsby on Wednesday.

League Two Grimsby triumphed 12-11 in a marathon penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw at Blundell Park.

United trailed 2-0 at the break after Charles Vernam fired past Andre Onana on 22 minutes and Tyrell Warren pounced when the goalkeeper failed to deal with a corner. Cameron Gardner also had a goal ruled out for handball as the hosts dominated.

Amorim, already under scrutiny after a winless Premier League start, made eight changes but still fielded a side worth hundreds of millions.

Benjamin Sesko made his first start since a £74 million move from RB Leipzig, while Onana endured a nightmare return in goal.

Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matthijs de Ligt were introduced at half-time in a desperate rescue attempt. Mbeumo curled home from distance to spark hope, before Harry Maguire headed in Mason Mount’s corner on 89 minutes to level. Sesko then blazed over a golden chance deep in stoppage time, forcing penalties.

Shootout Drama

United had opportunities to win. Matheus Cunha saw his effort at 4-4 saved by Christy Pym, before the shootout stretched into sudden death. After 15 further conversions, Mbeumo struck the bar with the decisive kick, sealing United’s humiliation.

The defeat strips away one of United’s few realistic chances of silverware after finishing 15th last season — their worst league campaign since relegation in 1974. Onana’s errors may also accelerate the club’s reported pursuit of Belgian keeper Senne Lammens.

Grimsby, who last hosted United in 1948, celebrated a famous victory in front of 9,000 fans.

Elsewhere, Brighton advanced with a 6-0 thrashing of Oxford, as debutant Stefanos Tzimas scored twice, while Fulham and Everton booked third-round spots with 2-0 wins over Bristol City and Mansfield.

(with AFP inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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First Published:

August 28, 2025, 07:27 IST

News sports Manchester United Crash Out Of Carabao Cup With Crushing Loss To League Two's Grimsby

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