Manchester United suffered a humiliating exit from the League Cup on Wednesday night, falling 12-11 in a dramatic penalty shootout to League Two side Grimsby after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Grimsby, who had last hosted United in 1948, stunned the visitors with a spirited display that saw them take a two-goal lead. Charles Vernam struck first with a fierce effort past Andre Onana, before Tyrell Warren doubled the advantage after the United goalkeeper failed to deal with a corner. The home crowd of nearly 9,000 erupted as their side threatened one of the competition’s greatest upsets.
United, who made eight changes from their weekend draw with Fulham but still fielded a star-studded and expensive lineup, were forced into damage control. New signing Benjamin Sesko made his debut, while Onana endured a miserable night that could accelerate the club’s reported interest in Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Rúben Amorim, already under pressure after a poor start to the Premier League season, turned to Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matthijs de Ligt at half-time to mount a comeback. The substitutions eventually paid off. Mbeumo pulled one back with a fine curling strike, before Harry Maguire rose highest in the 89th minute to head in Mason Mount’s corner and drag United level. Sesko then missed a golden chance to win it in stoppage time, sending the tie to penalties.
The shootout itself was a marathon. Matheus Cunha could have sealed victory for United at 4-4, but Christy Pym saved his effort. After 15 successful spot-kicks apiece, Mbeumo, the man who had sparked the fightback rattled the crossbar, sealing United’s elimination in one of the most embarrassing defeats in their modern history.
The result heaps further pressure on Amorim, whose side finished 15th last season, their worst league finish since 1974 and have endured a winless start to the current campaign. With this defeat, one of their two realistic chances at silverware this season has already slipped away.
Elsewhere, Brighton advanced comfortably with a 6-0 thrashing of Oxford, featuring two debut goals from Stefanos Tzimas. Fulham and Everton also secured progression with 2-0 victories over Bristol City and Mansfield, respectively.
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