Grimsby knocking-out Manchester United in the EFL, image: Grimsby Town.
Manchester United humiliated in the English Football League (EFL) Cup “Carabao Cup”. By the Fourth Division Grimsby Town that is standing in the top four of the League Two log, shocking the football fraternity, fans, and commentators.
In a result that will be seared into the annals of English football embarrassment, Manchester United were shockingly eliminated from the Carabao Cup by fourth-division Grimsby Town. The seismic upset unfolded at Blundell Park on 27 August 2025.
Where United succumbed to a humiliating 12–11 defeat on penalties after a dramatic 2–2 draw in regular time. Marking the first time the club has ever lost to a fourth-tier team in the competition.
United’s disaster started early, Charles Vernam opened the scoring in the 22nd minute. Exploiting a glaring error from goalkeeper André Onana at his near post.
Just eight minutes later, former United academy graduate Tyrell Warren pounced on Onana’s failed punch to tap into an empty net. It was a humiliating first half for the Premier League giants.
Despite fielding costly summer signings, including Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, United appeared outplayed. The players seemed more hobbled by anxiety than buoyed by their star-studded payroll.
Manager Ruben Amorim made a frantic push at halftime bringing on Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, and Mbeumo. The gamble paid off in the 75th minute, Mbeumo curled a fine strike past the goalkeeper. Then in the 89th minute, Harry Maguire propped up the epic comeback with a towering header from a corner forcing an improbable shootout.
The shootout spiraled into an epic 26-penalty shootout one of the longest in recent memory. After flawless precision from both sides. Bryan Mbeumo’s second effort cannoned off the crossbar, sparking wild celebrations from Grimsby fans who swarmed the pitch in jubilation. It was the final unforgettable moment in a night that will haunt United fans for years.
Grimsby’s goalkeeper, Christy Pym was instrumental saving Matheus Cunha’s attempt and standing tall under pressure. In a hilarious post-match revelation, Pym admitted he is a Man United fan. “So I am half fuming, to be honest,” he said.
The responsibility, in Amorim’s view lay far deeper than any single player’s mistakes. In his blunt post-match assessment, he decried that the way they started the game they were completely lost. He stated, “when you lose to a fourth division team, it is not the goalkeeper. It is everything”.
Apologizing to supporters, the embattled manager added that something must change. His comments underscored that season-long concerns about team morale, intensity, and cohesion remain painfully unresolved.
Unsurprisingly, the media and fan backlash was fierce social media erupted with calls to sack Amorim. Fans branded him a “coward” and took aim at his touchline demeanor and perceived disengagement during the shootout.
Even pundits were stunned. The gravity of losing to a League Two side was not lost on commentators. One remarked, “it was a kin to a car crash TV performance for United and Onana alike.”
This defeat is a miserable early season start. Man Utd is without a win across all competitions. Following a draw and a loss in the Premier League, marred by United’s worst top-flight finish in decades 15th place last season.
The outcome draws painful parallels to the 2014 debacle when United lost to MK Dons in the same round, though this defeat to a fourth‑tier team feels even more unforgivable. With the international break looming, United face what could be a routine Premier League fixture against Burnley.
But to Amorim and the Old Trafford club, faithful in anything short of a commanding victory will deepen the questions about leadership, squad resolve, and the direction of this underwhelming era.
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