Manchester United have been sensationally dumped out of the Carabao Cup in what will go down as one of the most shocking nights in the competition’s history, losing a marathon penalty shootout 12-11 against League Two underdogs Grimsby Town. The dramatic second-round clash at Old Trafford ended 2-2 in normal time before the visitors held their nerve in a shootout that left United humiliated and their fans in disbelief.
Already facing mounting criticism after a sluggish start to the season, Ruben Amorim’s men were expected to cruise past lower-league opposition. Instead, they found themselves undone by errors, shaky defending, and poor finishing, leading to one of the darkest nights in the club’s recent memory. For Grimsby, however, it was a night of dreams, an achievement that will forever stand as a highlight in the club’s proud history.
The nightmare for United began in the 22nd minute when Charles Vernam’s shot, a tame low drive, slipped embarrassingly through the gloves of goalkeeper Andre Onana, whose inconsistency continues to frustrate supporters. Old Trafford groaned in disbelief as the Mariners took a shock lead. The situation worsened just eight minutes later when former United academy product Tyrell Warren capitalized on another Onana blunder, slotting into an empty net after the keeper flapped desperately at a routine cross. At 2-0 down inside the opening half-hour, United were staring down the barrel of humiliation.
Despite dominating possession, United looked toothless in attack until the 75th minute when summer signing Bryan Mbeumo grabbed his first goal for the club, giving a glimmer of hope to the anxious home supporters. The atmosphere lifted, and with just seconds remaining, Harry Maguire rose majestically to head home from a corner, dragging the tie into a penalty shootout and sparing United from immediate embarrassment.
What followed was a nerve-shredding shootout that seemed to have no end. Players from both sides stepped up with courage, trading goal after goal from the spot as the drama intensified. The pressure inside Old Trafford was suffocating, with every kick carrying the weight of history. Finally, after 25 consecutive penalties, Grimsby converted while United faltered, sparking wild celebrations among the traveling supporters and leaving United players collapsed in despair.
For Grimsby Town, the result represents not just a victory, but a monumental chapter in English football folklore. For Manchester United, it is another painful reminder of how far the club has fallen, and how much work remains if they are to restore their glory days. The defeat will go down as one of the most humiliating cup exits in their long and storied history, while Grimsby’s giant-killing triumph will be remembered for decades to come.