Grimsby Town created one of the biggest upsets in Carabao Cup history by defeating Manchester United 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw on August 27, 2025, at Blundell Park.
The League Two side led 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren, but United fought back with strikes from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire.
In a marathon shootout, Mbeumo’s miss handed Grimsby victory, sparking pitch invasions and “sacked in the morning” chants for manager Ruben Amorim.
This marks United’s first loss to a fourth-tier team, leaving fans stunned across Europe and the UK as of 10:45 AM IST today, Wednesday, August 28, 2025.
Match Highlights and Key Moments
Grimsby dominated early, with Vernam opening the scoring in the 22nd minute after a quick counter.
Warren doubled the lead in the 30th minute, capitalizing on Andre Onana’s error—United’s keeper fumbled a cross, allowing the tap-in.
United looked lost, with possession at just 30% in the first half. At halftime, Amorim made changes, bringing on Mbeumo, who pulled one back in the 75th minute with a composed finish.
Maguire equalized in the 89th minute, heading in from a corner to force extra time.
No further goals came, leading to penalties where Onana saved one, but Matheus Cunha’s miss and Mbeumo’s bar hit sealed United’s fate in the 26th kick.
BBC Sport called it a “fevered shootout,” with Grimsby fans storming the pitch in celebration.
Amorim’s Frustration and Player Blame
Amorim apologized to fans, questioning his players’ desire in a post-match rant.
“Something has to change,” he told Sky Sports, adding, “It’s not just the goalkeeper—it’s everything. We were completely lost.”
He highlighted repeated mistakes from last season, when United finished 15th, saying, “The players spoke really loud today about what they want.”
The Guardian reported Amorim’s halftime plea: “We have 45 minutes to win this.”
On Onana’s errors, he said, “With respect, against a fourth-division team, it’s not the keeper—it’s the environment.”
This defeat extends United’s winless run to three games, piling pressure on Amorim ahead of Burnley.
Team Performances and Tactics
Grimsby manager David Artell praised his “terrific” side, who rose from the National League three years ago.
“This is the accumulation of 18 months,” he said, crediting their hunger. United rotated heavily, starting youth like Ayden Heaven, but lacked intensity.
Mbeumo impressed with his goal but faltered in the shootout. Maguire’s late header showed fight, but overall, United’s defense crumbled.
ESPN noted Onana’s two errors as pivotal, while The Guardian compared it to past upsets like MK Dons in 2014. Grimsby’s reward: a third-round tie against Sheffield Wednesday.
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
With 8,647 at Blundell Park, Grimsby fans chanted “Oh when the Town go steaming in” during the invasion. On X, shockwaves spread.
One fan tweeted, “Man Utd’s embarrassment by Grimsby is like a child with Autism beating an adult—Kai!”
Another posted, “Grimsby 12-11 Man Utd on pens—historic upset!”
Newspapers headlined “Grim for Amorim” and “So Grim,” reflecting the humiliation. The low ball-in-play time (40.8% first half) fueled debates on United’s mentality.
Broader Impact
This loss ends United’s Carabao Cup run early, their first fourth-tier exit. Grimsby advances, boosting morale.
United face Burnley on August 31, with Amorim vowing changes during the international break.
The defeat echoes United’s woes, with fans demanding fixes.
Stay tuned for more Premier League and cup updates!