It can't get much from here for Manchester United, can it?
Heading into the third game of the season, the Red Devils were yet to score a goal (that's not an own-goal), let alone even win a game. And on Wednesday evening they plummeted to depths that were previously unthinkable.
Grimsby, who are currently 55 places below Ruben Amorim's side in the Football League, didn’t just compete, they outplayed United from start to finish. At times, to the untrained eye, it looked as though the Mariners were the Premier League club.
United aren't just fallen giants, they're a brand searching for a football team.
The Red Devils are out, and with it, perhaps, their best shot at a European berth come-what-May.
Geza David Turi is challenged by Harry Maguire of Manchester United of Grimsby Town during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England.
Grimsby had been two goals to the good (Image: Getty Images)
"If Grimsby Town win tonight, I honestly don't think Ruben Amorim can come back from this. I don't think this is knee-jerk," Chris Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live at half-time. "The perception of him, not just to lose but in the manner in which United have played in the first half too."
Amorim looked to his stars: Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt and Bryan Mbeumo were summoned as the heavens opened.
When it rains, it pours for United and they were pushed further and further back as Grimsby started to play the swagger of a team that felt they had one foot in the third round.
David Artell, Manager of Grimsby Town, reacts during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England.
David Artell's side looked to be on the brink of an all-time cup upset (Image: Getty Images)
Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren were the heroes in black and white - and Cameron Gardner could have added his name to that list when he found himself one-on-one with Andre Onana.
Onana, who had been given the nod between the sticks, was again at fault for the goals - according to seething fans on social media.
And he was beaten at the far post by Gardner. But his blushes were saved when the Grimsby striker was flagged offside, despite the ball seemingly being played by Harry Maguire.
Harry Maguire of Manchester United (hidden) scores his team's second goal during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England.
Harry Maguire's header powered United level (Image: Getty Images)
Mbeumo gave United a glimmer of hope. And form that moment on it felt like a United equaliser was coming, even if they weren't creating opportunities on the pitch there had been a mood shift.
Christy Pym made a miraculous double save, but he couldn't perform such heroics when Maguire powered home.
Penalties beckoned and Clarke Oduor saw his shot palmed onto the crossbar. However, so did Matheus Cunha and the Mbeumo at his second attempt.
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United aren't just out, they've been sent back to Manchester with their tails between their legs.
There was a moment, with United two goals down when Amorim was left with his head in hands as he stared haplessly at a tactics board.
It might be the defining image of his tenure at Old Trafford.