Manchester United Humiliated: Knocked Out of the League Cup by Fourth-Tier Grimsby
Manchester United have hit a new low. Beaten and eliminated from the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town, a club valued at just €3.6 million and based in the small seaside town of Cleethorpes with fewer than 30,000 residents.
United trailed 0–2, managed a dramatic late comeback, but collapsed in an astonishing penalty shootout that went to a second round of takers. And let’s be clear — this was far from a reserve lineup.
From Optimism to Disaster
After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, Ruben Amorim’s United had looked promising in pre-season. The attack was strengthened, performances were encouraging, and even the narrow 0–1 opening-day defeat to Arsenal left fans with cautious optimism. But reality has quickly set in.
A dull 1–1 draw against Fulham on Sunday was already concerning. Now comes the humiliation: crashing out of the League Cup in the second round to Grimsby Town, a fourth-tier side United last faced way back in 1948. Historically, in the old First Division, Grimsby actually hold the upper hand with six wins, four draws, and just two defeats. Social media summed it up perfectly: “This is the magic of the cup — when underdogs face historically dominant teams like Grimsby.” The irony writes itself.
A Strong United XI
Amorim could not be accused of disrespecting the competition. With no European football this season, United desperately need silverware. The starting XI included Onana, Maguire, Dalot, Ugarte, Dorgu, Diallo, Cunha, Šeško, and the returning Kobbie Mainoo. From the bench came De Ligt, Fernandes, Mbeumo, Mount, and Zirkzee. The only real unknowns were defenders Fredriksson and Heven.
Onana’s Nightmare, Grimsby’s Dream
Grimsby came out like a team playing the match of their lives, pressing furiously and attacking with belief. United’s keeper André Onana cracked under the pressure.
On 22 minutes, Charles Vernam found space on the left of the box and fired past Onana at the near post. Then, on 30 minutes, the Cameroonian spilled a routine cross into the path of Warren — a Manchester United academy graduate — who made it 2–0.
Only then did United wake up, creating chances through Šeško and Diallo, but they failed to score before half-time.
The Fightback
Amorim threw on reinforcements: De Ligt, Fernandes, and Mbeumo, later followed by Mount and Zirkzee. United dominated, with fans sarcastically singing “You’re getting sacked in the morning” at their own manager. Supporters responded with gallows humor: “We’re fing s.”
The heavens opened with heavy rain — symbolic of United’s crumbling hopes. Grimsby even had a third goal ruled out on the counter.
Finally, on 75 minutes, Bryan Mbeumo cut inside and rifled a shot into the bottom corner to pull one back. Ten minutes later, Harry Maguire — yes, Harry Maguire — popped up at the back post from a corner to equalize.
Penalty Chaos
With no extra time in the League Cup, the match went straight to penalties. Onana partially redeemed himself by saving from Odour. Fernandes, Mbeumo, Mount, and Dalot all scored, but Cunha’s miss gave Grimsby hope.
The shootout dragged on absurdly long. Zirkzee, Mainoo, Maguire, De Ligt, Šeško, and even Onana all had to step up. Eventually, it came full circle, and Mbeumo struck the crossbar. Pandemonium erupted — fans stormed the pitch to celebrate one of the greatest nights in Grimsby’s history.
Rock Bottom for United
For United, the shame is hard to overstate. No European football, no League Cup, and only the FA Cup and Premier League left to salvage their season.
The last time they played in the second round of the League Cup was 11 years ago, when they were thrashed 0–4 by MK Dons. This time, it might be even worse: United were close to a dramatic comeback, only to collapse again. Another night that will live in infamy.
Published by Patrick Jane
28.08.2025