A historic upset by Grimsby Town as Manchester United face humiliation in Carabao Cup. English football witnessed one of its most stunning events. Manchester United faces humiliation as they lost the Carabao Cup match after falling to fourth-tier Grimsby Town on penalties 12-11. Moreover, this happened after a regular time score of 2-2. The defeat only adds to United’s issues. Moreover it brings more pressure to manager Ruben Amorim. It even creates a new low in the history of this once proud football institution.
Match Overview: A Night of Shocking Twists
The first half started painfully for United. Grimsby Town is a team sitting fourth in League Two. However, they took the lead in the 22nd minute when Charles Vernam reacted quickest to a defensive mess. The situation got worse eight minutes later when Tyrell Warren who was once part of United’s youth set-up, made it 0-2. His shot went in after a complete failure to clear by goalkeeper André Onana.
United lacked any intensity, rhythm, or pattern in the first half. Unable to match Grimsby’s work rate, belief, and desire, it was all a bit embarrassing for United’s traveling supporters to witness, particularly when you consider they paid good money to watch the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. The amount of paid minutes to create valuable goal threats, that was the sad thing.
❌ MAN UNITED ARE 𝙊𝙐𝙏 OF THE CARABAO CUP!
League Two side Grimsby knock Ruben Amorim's side out in the Second Round after a 12-11 win on penalties – what a night at Blundell Park. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gptdto7B7A
— Football Insider (@footyinsider247) August 27, 2025
Late Comeback and Dramatic Shootout
Amorim made three changes at halftime, introducing Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs de Ligt in an attempt to salvage the tie. But at 75 minutes, Mbeumo got one back for United. Then, as the time drew to a close, Harry Maguire landed a dramatic late equaliser in the 89th minute. This took the game to a penalty shootout.”
The penalty shootout developed into a marathon both sides scoring 11 penalties each, that was until last summers £70 million signing Mbeumo struck the crossbar with his penalty and Grimsby’s players and fans (who flooded the pitch) erupted in celebrations.
Amorim’s Fury and Historical Context
After the defeat Amorim publicly called out his players by saying “the best team won” and apologized to United’s supporters. He indicated that the team had not shown any intensity and said the players attitude was concerning which suggests there are deeper issues with the staff or team. This loss is also historically tragic as it marks the first time United have been eliminated by a fourth-tier team in any cup competition since the introduction of England’s four league divisions.
Implications and Future Prospects
The team has been left with a defeat that leaves United winless in three games this season following a dismal 15th place finish in the Premier League last season. United is now out of the Carabao Cup and European football as well, which puts pressure on Amorim. Amorim having had 16 wins in the 45 he has been in charge also shows that United have work to do in order to achieve organisation and direction moving forward.
Amorim’s Road Ahead
In Grimsby this will go down as one of the best ever in their club’s history and prove the importance of playing for each other and showing a fighting spirit, loyalty and team spirit. In the meantime, United will have a lot of soul-searching to do and must address their many core issues as they not only risk elimination from the Carabao Cup, but also further decline.
No other sport evokes the unpredictability of football like the cup and the magic within it. Even more so, this is a moment of embarrassment for United that will live long in the memory.