League Two Grimsby Stuns Manchester United in Epic 12-11 Penalty Marathon as Red Devils Crash Out
Manchester United suffered a shocking exit from the Carabao Cup's second round, falling to League Two outfit Grimsby Town in what became one of the most dramatic penalty shootouts in recent memory.
Ruben Amorim fielded a formidable lineup featuring Benjamin Šeško making his debut start, alongside Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu, and the returning André Onana.
The Red Devils appeared unsettled throughout as Grimsby applied significant pressure at various stages. After twenty minutes, the hosts remained competitive despite United controlling 60% of possession.
Although United created early opportunities, they were the first to fall behind.
Darragh Burns delivered a precise cross to find Charles Vernam completely unmarked in the penalty area, with the latter showing excellent composure on his first touch. His second touch produced a powerful strike at the near post that beat Onana for the opening goal. A remarkable moment occurring roughly midway through the opening period. The situation deteriorated further eight minutes later from a set piece. Onana advanced from his line attempting to clear the ball, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper failed to connect as the ball ricocheted around before Tyrell Warren converted the rebound. Handball appeals were raised, but without VAR technology the goal was allowed to stand.
Chants of "Sacked in the morning" began after the opening strike, intensifying following the second goal. Šeško nearly pulled one back with a powerful header, but goalkeeper Christy Pym produced an excellent save to thwart the Slovenian. The first half concluded with Grimsby holding a two-goal advantage, representing a disastrous display from the Red Devils.
Amorim implemented three significant substitutions at halftime, introducing club captain Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Matthijs de Ligt. Compounding their troubles, weather conditions worsened as heavy rain began falling.
United certainly applied more pressure to Grimsby's penalty area in the second period, but found themselves limited to crossing attempts as they struggled to penetrate centrally. Pym produced another exceptional save to deny a long-range effort from Fernandes. Nevertheless, they remained slow to react to loose balls in the box, much to Amorim's frustration despite the attacking quality available.
Mbeumo eventually found the breakthrough with his maiden United goal. A left-footed curling effort from the penalty area's edge left Pym helpless. They finally restored parity in the 89th minute when Harry Maguire netted the equalizer. De Ligt had a perfect opportunity to secure victory in stoppage time, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar, forcing a penalty shootout.
Following successful conversions from the first two takers on each side, Onana made a crucial save to deny Clarke Oduor with an outstretched hand that deflected the ball against the crossbar. Mason Mount and Diogo Dalot converted their attempts, but Cunha saw his effort saved by Pym, leading to sudden death. The shootout extended to include both goalkeepers, with Onana and Pym successfully converting their penalties.
It required 26 attempts before Mbeumo, the evening's earlier hero, struck the crossbar to end the contest. Grimsby supporters invaded the pitch in celebration as United crashed out in the second round.
A stunning result for Amorim, who now faces mounting pressure after already dropping points in back-to-back Premier League fixtures to start the season.
United player ratings listed below.
Man Utd Player Ratings vs. Grimsby (3-4-2-1)
*Ratings provided by FotMob
Player | Rating Out of 10 |
|---|---|
GK: André Onana | 5.3 |
CB: Tyler Fredricson | 6.3 |
CB: Harry Maguire | 8.2 |
CB: Ayden Heaven | 6.6 |
RWB: Diogo Dalot | 7.7 |
CM: Kobbie Mainoo | 8.1 |
CM: Manuel Ugarte | 6.7 |
LWB: Patrick Dorgu | 6.9 |
AM: Matheus Cunha | 7.3 |
AM: Amad Diallo | 7.1 |
ST: Benjamin Šeško | 5.8 |
SUB: Bruno Fernandes (46' for Ugarte) | 6.9 |
SUB: Bryan Mbeumo (46' for Dorgu) | 8.2 |
SUB: Matthijs de Ligt (46' for Fredricson) | 6.5 |
SUB: Mason Mount (65' for Heaven) | 7.0 |
SUB: Joshua Zirkzee (82' for Amad) | N/A |
Subs not used: Altay Bayındır (GK), Tom Heaton (GK), Diego León, Casemiro
Man Utd Player of the Match: Harry Maguire, Bryan Mbeumo
Overall Player of the Match: Charles Vernam (Grimsby Town)
Grimsby Town (4-1-4-1): Christy Pym; Harvey Rodgers, Tyrell Warren, Cameron McJannet, Jayden Sweeney; George McEachran; Charles Vernam, Kieran Green, Evan Khouri, Darragh Burns; Cameron Gardner
Subs: Sebastian Auton (GK), Reece Staunton, Clarke Oduor, Géza Dávid Turi, Henry Brown, Danny Rose, Jaze Kabia, Jude Soonsup-Bell, Justin Amaluzor