Grimsby Town have completed one of the great English football stories with a victory against Man United, and the stats behind it make it so much more remarkable.
This week saw the EFL Cup second round take place, and Grimsby Town stole the headlines with a historic victory at home to Man United.
While many will focus on the defeat from Man United’s perspective as pressure mounts on Ruben Amorim, in what has been described as a ‘car crash’ defeat by Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith, it was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for the Mariners, who put in a performance that will be remembered for years to come in North Lincolnshire.
After leading 2-0 courtesy of goals by Mariners pair Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren, Grimsby were soon pegged back by the Premier League side after Bryan Mbuemo and Harry Maguire notched goals to take it to penalties. It was, however, David Artell’s side who emerged victorious, which is astonishing given the gulf in differences between the two clubs.
We took an in-depth look at the game and just how incredible the feat pulled off by the League Two side is…
Christy Pym of Grimsby Town celebrates
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Grimsby Town heroes who made history vs Man United
It was Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren with the goals on the day for Grimsby Town, with both finishes notably showcasing difficulties from the Red Devils shot-stopper Andre Onana.
It is also worth noting the fact that Warren struggled to get through the academy set-up at Man United, but spells elsewhere in non-league and League Two eventually took him to Grimsby, where he got a taste of revenge against the Red Devils.
The entire team deserves immense credit, but one man who stood out was Mariners shot-stopper Christy Pym.
The Grimsby Town goalkeeper put in a phenomenal display on home soil, making seven saves, one of which was the decisive stop of Matheus Cunha’s penalty, which would have handed the win to Man United.
Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United looks dejected
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
How Grimsby Town’s squad value compares to Man United
The absurdity of Grimsby Town’s win against Man United becomes clear when examining the numbers between the two squads.
Pitting Man United’s £765.36m value squad against Grimsby Town’s £3.11m side, you would assume that it would be no contest.
As worked out by GRV Media finance expert Adam Williams, who showed the true gulf between the two sides, he said on social media: “Grimsby Town’s entire annual revenue over the last financial year (£5.7m) pays about one-third of Jadon Sancho’s basic Man United salary.
“Grimsby Town’s wage bill over the same period was £4.2m. United spent over 3x (£13.7m) on ‘travel and entertaining costs’.”
According to Capology, Grimsby Town pay £36,550 in wages per week to first-team players, which works out to a total of £1.9m per year.
This annual amount would only cover over 12% of Man United captain Bruno Fernandes’ salary alone.
The Grimsby Town squad earn the equivalent, per week, of Man United back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.
Grimsby Town’s entire annual revenue over the last financial year (£5.7m) pays about one-third of Jason Sancho’s basic Man United salary.
Grimsby Town’s wage bill over the same period was £4.2m. United spent over 3x (£13.7m) that on ‘travel and entertaining costs’.#bloodyhell
— Adam Williams (@Adam___Williams) August 27, 2025
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The Mariners are set for a barnstorming League Two campaign
This result did not come out of the blue for Grimsby Town, who have enjoyed a good start to their 2025/26 League Two season under David Artell.
In five games, Grimsby Town have won three, whilst also drawing two games, which places them 4th in the table and level with MK Dons, who occupy the final automatic promotion spot.
Grimsby Town have arguably peaked with their win against Man United, but they should not be ruled out for further success in the league.
In the EFL Cup, they will face Sheffield Wednesday in the next round.