Manchester United have suffered a dramatic exit from the Carabao Cup, falling to a stunning 12-11 penalty shootout defeat against League Two side Grimsby Town in their second-round tie at Blundell Park on Wednesday night. The Red Devils, who entered the competition without European engagements this season, came from two goals down in regulation time to force penalties but ultimately succumbed to the lower-league opposition.

Ruben Amorim’s side, fielding a strong starting line-up that included a first start for Benjamin Sesko upfront, continued their poor run of form, having not secured a win this season. This defeat marks the first time Manchester United have lost to a team from English Football League (EFL) Two, the fourth tier of English football, in 12 meetings, adding to the growing pressure on their manager.

Grimsby Town, who have enjoyed an unbeaten start to their season across six games, took a commanding lead in the first half. Charles Vernam opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a shot that beat Andre Onana at his near post. Eight minutes later, the Cameroon international, playing his first game of the season, was at fault for the second goal, misjudging a cross that allowed Tyrel Warren to slot into an empty net, sending Grimsby into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.

After the interval, Ruben Amorim made a triple substitution, introducing Matias de Ligt, Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes. These changes sparked a late comeback, with Mbeumo pulling one back for United in the 75th minute with a shot into the bottom corner. Harry Maguire then powered in an 89th-minute header, levelling the score at 2-2 and forcing the match straight into a penalty shootout.

The shootout proved to be a lengthy and tense affair. After 11 spot-kicks between the two teams, Manchester United’s Mathias Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo ultimately missed their crucial penalties, allowing Grimsby Town to secure a memorable 12-11 victory and progress to the third round. This exit mirrors Manchester United’s defeat at the same stage 11 years ago at the hands of MK Dons.

Grimsby Town’s win is considered one of football history’s biggest upsets, and it is the third time the club has shocked an English Premier League (EPL) side in cup competition, having previously defeated Tottenham and Liverpool. Post-match, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim conceded, “I think the best team won, the only team that was on the pitch.” He openly criticised his team’s performance, stating, “The way we started the game without any intensity, all the idea of the pressure, we were completely lost.”

Grimsby Town boss David Artell, speaking to ITV, expressed immense pride in his team’s achievement, attributing the win to “an accumulation of 15 months, 18 months, all encompassed in one night.” He praised his squad, acknowledging Manchester United’s quality but highlighting his players’ desire to play for the club and improve daily. Manchester United's next fixture is a Premier League clash against Brighton.