Manchester United lost on penalties against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup and here are the talking points from the game and some moments you might have missed.
Fernandes argued with Bayindir to pass on a message to Onana.
(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Manchester United suffered a shock defeat against Grimsby in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
United were entered into the second round of the competition due to their failure to qualify for Europe, and Blundell Park was a sell-out for the visit of the Reds.
Grimbsy were 2-0 at half-time and sensed a giant-killing. United fought back with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire to force a penalty shootout, but the hosts prevailed to inflict an embarrassing defeat on Ruben Amorim's side.
Here are some talking points from the game and some moments you might have missed.:
Amorim pointing the finger
Just seven minutes into the game, Amorim turned to his coaching staff on the bench and waved his arms in frustration. He was unhappy that Matheus Cunha hadn’t heard an instruction and was also on the case of Tyler Fredricson, shouting about the areas of the pitch he should be playing in.
Fredricson received an earful from Amorim in the first half and Kobbie Mainoo was irked by his fellow academy graduate when he passed the ball inside instead of playing the pass wide to Diogo Dalot.
Amorim was on the case of pretty much everyone, though. He was not pleased by Grimsby making a fast start and was practically man-managing every player to inform them where they should be.
There are no excuses for Amorim this season. The 40-year-old has had enough time to get his message across and shouldn’t need to be man-managing players during a game at this stage of his tenure.
Penalty drama
Grimsby took the first penalty in the shootout, but Andre Onana did not pick up the ball to give it to Bruno Fernandes for his spotkick. Onana did the same when Mbeumo stepped up for the first time and Fernandes quickly reacted, shouting at him to give the next United penalty taker the ball.
Fernandes even had to shout at Bayindir at one stage. Fernandes wanted Onana's goalkeeping colleague to pass on the message, and the Cameroon international eventually received it.
Shootouts are decided by small margins and Onana did not seem prepared for the game to reach that stage.
Fernandes consoles Mbeumo
Grimbsy fans invaded the pitch when Mbeumo missed his penalty. Thousands of fans rushed onto the turf, and some of their supporters taunted Mbeumo, who was accompanied by Fernandes.
Fernandes went to Mbeumo’s side to protect and console his dejected teammate. The United captain escorted him back to the dressing room alongside a United staff member.
Amorim's shock
What were the odds on Grimsby progressing to the next round of the Carabao Cup? United were the bookmakers’ heavy favourites and an upset was not anticipated at Blundell Park.
For Grimsby’s first goal, Manuel Ugarte lost the ball and spent time appealing to the referee instead of trying to atone for his mistake (how many times have we seen that with Ugarte?). Onana should have done better with the low strike and Amorim stood shell-shocked on the touchline.
Blundell Park erupted and Amorim watched on helplessly with his hands on his hips. Then Amorim cut the same figure when Grimsby scored again just eight minutes later.
Taunts from Grimsby fans
Grimsby’s admin on X celebrated when the Carabao Cup draw was made. The chance to welcome United to Blundell Park promised a great occasion, but even the most optimistic of Grimsby fans wouldn’t have predicted their first half performance, which saw them lead 2-0.
Their fans savoured every moment. “Premier League, you’re having a laugh,” was the taunt from the stands, along with a message for Amorim. “You’re getting sacked in the morning,” they chanted.
"Who the f****** hell are you?" Grimsby's fans added. The 1,200 fans in the away section were stunned into silence.
Maguire with the armband
Maguire lost the captain’s armband in 2023 but he reclaimed it against Grimsby.
The defender’s redemption arc has been a remarkable story and he deserved to wear the armband. Maguire has been a model professional since the armband was taken away from him by Erik ten Hag and has never sulked about his ‘demotion’.
Now more than ever, United need leaders in the dressing room.