Manchester United suffered one of their most humiliating nights in recent history as they crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, losing 12-11 on penalties after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Blundell Park.
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United were two goals down at half-time after a dreadful opening 45 minutes. Charles Vernam fired Grimsby ahead before goalkeeper Andre Onana’s costly error gifted former United academy player Tyrell Warren a second, leaving manager Ruben Amorim under intense pressure from the stands as home fans taunted him with “sacked in the morning” chants.
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Desperate to salvage the game, Amorim threw on captain Bruno Fernandes, striker Bryan Mbeumo, and defender Matthijs de Ligt at the break. The changes worked late on: Mbeumo struck 15 minutes from time and Harry Maguire equalised in the final minute, forcing penalties.
However, United faltered when it mattered most. Matheus Cunha failed to convert their fifth penalty in the shootout, and Mbeumo later struck the bar in sudden death, handing Grimsby a historic 12-11 shootout triumph and sparking wild celebrations as fans invaded the pitch.
For Amorim, who described last season’s struggles as “maybe the worst in the club’s history,” this early exit leaves just one realistic chance of silverware slipping away at the first hurdle – and heaps fresh scrutiny on his position.
