Manchester United Knocked Out of Carabao Cup in Humiliating Defeat to Fourth-Tier Grimsby

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim

In what will stand as one of the most unexpected outcomes of the season, fourth-tier Grimsby Town have ousted Premier League giants Manchester United from the Carabao Cup. 

The match, held at Blundell Park on Wednesday, August 27, ended 2–2 after regulation time before Grimsby edged a dramatic 12–11 win in a 26-penalty shootout.

Manchester United’s comeback was sparked by second-half efforts. Bryan Mbeumo reduced the deficit in the 75th minute with his first goal for the club, and Harry Maguire equalised with a towering header in the 89th.

Originally, Charles Vernam and former United youth player Tyrell Warren had put Grimsby two goals ahead in the first half, capitalising on defensive lapses and goalkeeper André Onana’s errors.

The penalty shootout proved to be an endurance test. It stretched to 26 kicks, with multiple players from both sides succumbing to the pressure. In the end, Mbeumo’s second spot-kick ricocheted off the crossbar, sealing the win for the Mariners.

The Carabao Cup

The jubilant Grimsby supporters, buoyed by the sensation, surged onto the pitch in celebration.

In his post-match comments, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim offered a sharp, unvarnished assessment. 

He described the performance as “unacceptable,” apologising to fans and suggesting “something has to change” within the club. 

At the same time, he acknowledged that United lacked the right intensity and organisation from the start. 

“My players spoke really loud today about what they want,” he remarked, and stopped short of blaming any individual.

With this result, Manchester United have now gone three matches without a win, following last season’s disappointing 15th-place Premier League finish.

For Grimsby Town, the victory represents a milestone in their cup history, eliminating a four-tier opponent for the first time in the club’s EFL Cup history.