Manchester United endured one of the most humiliating defeats in their modern history on 27 August 2025, crashing out of the EFL Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town after an extraordinary 13-round penalty shootout.
At Blundell Park, the Mariners struck first through Charles Vernam in the 22nd minute, punishing United’s sluggish start. Eight minutes later, Tyrell Warren doubled the lead from a corner after United keeper Andre Onana misjudged an inswinging cross, leaving the visitors 2-0 down to a team sitting 55 places below them in the English football pyramid.
Ruben Amorim’s side, winless in all competitions so far this season, dominated possession but lacked cutting edge for much of the night. Three halftime changes brought more urgency, and Bryan Mbeumo pulled one back in the 75th minute with a precise finish from the edge of the area. Harry Maguire levelled in the 89th minute with a trademark header to force penalties, as early-round League Cup ties go straight to a shootout if level.
In the shootout, Onana appeared to redeem himself with a save from Clarke Oduor, putting United on the brink of progress. But when Matheus Cunha missed the potential match-winning spot kick, Grimsby’s keeper Christy Pym responded with a save of his own to extend the drama deep into sudden death.
In an extraordinary finish, all 11 players from each team stepped up at least once. Both goalkeepers even converted their penalties before the order repeated. Finally, in the 13th round, Darragh Burns scored his second of the night from the spot before Mbeumo smashed his effort against the crossbar, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans.
The 12-11 shootout defeat marks the first time United have been eliminated from the League Cup by a fourth-tier team. Grimsby’s squad is valued at just €3.6 million almost €900 million less than United’s making this one of the biggest cup shocks in decades.
For Amorim, who took charge last November, the pressure is mounting. United finished a dismal 15th in the Premier League last season, missing out on European football for the first time since 2014-15. With the Carabao Cup widely seen as the club’s easiest route to silverware, this latest embarrassment leaves them with only the FA Cup and the league where they have one loss and two draws as potential salvations.
For Grimsby, whose last top-flight season came in 1947-48 and who were in non-league as recently as 2022, it is arguably their greatest result in over 75 years. Thousands of jubilant Mariners fans will remember the night they stunned one of English football’s giants.