The football world was gripped by a classic giant-killing tale as League Two side Grimsby Town spectacularly knocked out Premier League heavyweights Manchester United in a dramatic Carabao Cup tie. The match, which saw the underdogs battle with immense spirit, culminated in a tense penalty shootout after a hard-fought draw in normal time, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

Grimsby Town made a stunning start, taking a commanding two-goal lead in the first half. Goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren put the League Two side ahead, with Manchester United's Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana, making errors that contributed to both goals, notably flapping at a cross for Grimsby's second. This early setback left the Red Devils fighting for survival against a team three divisions below them.

However, Manchester United mounted a determined comeback in the second half to avoid an embarrassing defeat in normal time. Bryan Mbeumo, another Cameroonian star for United, initiated the rally by scoring his first goal of the match. The equalizer came in the 89th minute from Harry Maguire, sending the enthralling encounter into a penalty shootout.

The shootout proved to be a nail-biting affair. While Grimsby's Clarke Oduor missed an early penalty, giving United a glimmer of hope, Manchester United's marquee summer signing, Matheus Cunha, subsequently saw his potentially game-winning effort saved. The shootout extended into sudden death, where the decisive moment arrived when Bryan Mbeumo was denied on his second penalty attempt. This crucial save secured a sensational 12-11 victory for Grimsby Town, sparking jubilant pitch invasions from their ecstatic supporters.

The historic nature of the win was not lost on dedicated Grimsby fans like Rob Hufton, 55, and his 14-year-old son, Harry. In an extraordinary display of devotion, the pair waved off their family on a planned holiday to Fuerteventura, choosing instead to witness their beloved Mariners make history. Season-ticket holders, Rob and Harry, couldn't miss this once-in-a-lifetime game, especially since it was Grimsby's first encounter with Manchester United since 1948.

Their decision proved to be immensely rewarding. After watching their team pull off a shocking upset, the father-son duo, still in their Grimsby shirts, arrived for their rearranged flight at East Midlands Airport in the early hours, met by well-wishers who treated them like celebrities. Rob expressed profound joy, stating they "would have been happy just to get a goal," and Harry added that he "would miss every single day of the holiday to watch that game again," encapsulating the unforgettable experience of Grimsby Town's glorious "giant-killing" victory.