Manchester United’s turbulent season took another nosedive last night as they were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town, losing 12-11 in a dramatic penalty shootout at Blundell Park. Not only was this just the Red Devils’ second second-round elimination from the competition in thirty years, but the manner of the defeat—against opposition three tiers below them—has left fans and pundits reeling.
The Shootout Drama
With lightning flashing over Cleethorpes, the match ended level after regulation time, forcing one of the most nerve-wracking shootouts in recent memory. Every outfield player was called upon as the shootout stretched to a marathon 12-11 scoreline. The decisive moment came when Bryan Mbeumo, who had earlier scored United’s first goal of the season (making it 2-1), saw his final penalty crash off the crossbar, sending Grimsby into wild celebrations and social media into meltdown.
For United, this was more than just an upset—it was an embarrassment for a club that spent over £200 million this summer and is still searching for its first win of the new campaign. Manager Ruben Amorim could barely watch from the dugout as his team faltered under pressure. “The best team won. The only team that was on the pitch,” Amorim admitted post-match, conceding that his side had been outplayed for long stretches by opponents who only days earlier fielded four changes from their weekend League Two draw against Accrington Stanley.
A New Low for Amorim’s Reign
The loss piles further pressure on Amorim after a lackluster start to his Manchester United tenure. With only one goal scored in three games—and that coming courtesy of Mbeumo last night—United have looked toothless in attack and fragile at the back. Their inability to break down lower-league opposition and subsequent collapse in the shootout has led some to call this team “the worst in Manchester United’s history,” echoing harsh assessments from both fans and pundits alike.
While Grimsby Town’s players and supporters will remember one of their greatest nights for years to come, Manchester United are left to pick up the pieces from what will surely go down as one of their lowest points in modern football.
