Manchester United suffered a shocking League Cup exit against fourth-tier Grimsby, losing 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The defeat piles more pressure on under-fire boss Ruben Amorim, who is already facing scrutiny after a winless Premier League start.
Grimsby’s Historic Night Against Manchester United
League Two side Grimsby had been waiting for a visit from Manchester United since 1948, and they made it count. Charles Vernam opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a low strike past Andre Onana, sending the 9,000 fans at Blundell Park into celebration. Tyrell Warren doubled the lead after Onana failed to claim a corner, tapping in to stun United.
Cameron Gardner thought he had scored a third, but the referee ruled it out for handball. Despite that, Grimsby fully deserved their two-goal cushion at half-time.
United’s Late Fightback Falls Short
Amorim made eight changes from the weekend draw against Fulham, yet still fielded a team worth hundreds of millions. Benjamin Sesko made his first start since joining from RB Leipzig for £74 million, while Onana returned in goal.
The Portuguese coach brought on Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matthijs de Ligt at half-time in search of a turnaround. United finally responded in the second half when Mbeumo curled a strike into the bottom corner. Harry Maguire then headed in Mason Mount’s corner in the 89th minute to level the tie.
Sesko missed a golden chance in stoppage time, sending the game into a marathon shootout. Matheus Cunha had the chance to win it at 4-4 but saw his penalty saved. After both goalkeepers converted, Mbeumo struck the bar, sealing United’s elimination.
Pressure Mounts on Amorim
The result marks one of Manchester United’s worst defeats in modern history. The 20-time English champions, who finished 15th last season, now see one of their few realistic trophy hopes vanish.
Onana’s struggles may accelerate United’s move for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens before the transfer window closes. “Chelsea are finally set to offer Alejandro Garnacho a Manchester United escape route,” The Mirror had earlier reported, highlighting uncertainty in United’s squad.
With Brighton, Fulham, and Everton progressing comfortably, United’s League Cup humiliation underlines the depth of their crisis.
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