On Wednesday night, the Manchester club was eliminated by Grimsby Town, a fourth division team, in the second round of the League Cup.
After a tie score at the end of regular time (2-2), Grimsby prevailed in a thrilling penalty shootout (12-11).
In the pouring rain at Blundell Park, Charles Vernam opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, followed shortly after by Tyrell Warren, due to a poor aerial exit by goalkeeper André Onana.
Manchester United came back into the game in the second half: Bryan Mbeumo narrowed the gap in the 75th minute, then Harry Maguire equalized in the 89th minute, forcing the decision to penalties.
The penalty shootout kept the fans on tenterhooks, with each team successfully making their attempts in an endless suspense. After eleven goals from both sides, it was finally Grimsby who had the last word when young Brandon Buckley converted his shot, before Mbeumo saw his repelled by the opposing goalkeeper (12-11).
This feat by Grimsby will be etched as one of the biggest surprises in the history of the English League Cup.
Manchester United’s record at the start of the season is rather alarming: three matches, two losses, one draw.
📸 Shaun Botterill – 2025 Getty Images
