Man Utd's Carabao Cup Second Round Streak: How Long Since Their Last Early Exit?

Manchester United have reached a devastating low point.

Ruben Amorim's team was eliminated in the second round of the 2025–26 Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout defeat to League Two outfit Grimsby Town. Adding insult to injury, high-profile summer acquisitions Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were the sole players to fail from the penalty spot.

United are now left with just the Premier League and FA Cup campaigns for the remainder of this season. Following a 15th-place finish in the top division last term—the club's poorest showing since their 1974 relegation—and with lackluster displays early this season, Amorim's position could be in genuine danger.

The sole explanation for United competing at such an early stage is their failure to secure European qualification. A second-round elimination from the Carabao Cup represents a significant embarrassment for a club with United's reputation. Nevertheless, this isn't an entirely unique occurrence.

When was the Last Time Man Utd Lost in the Second Round of the Carabao Cup?

Coincidentally, United's previous second-round elimination in the Carabao Cup occurred in 2014, marking the last occasion they participated at such an early stage of the tournament.

On Aug. 26, 2014, then League One club MK Dons thoroughly defeated Louis van Gaal's newly assembled squad 4–0. Benik Afobe netted twice, alongside former Northern Ireland international and fan favorite Will Grigg. Future Tottenham Hotspur standout Dele Ali also featured for the full 90 minutes representing MK Dons.

Notable players including David de Gea, Jonny Evans, Shinji Kagawa, Javier "Chicharito" Hernández, Danny Welbeck and Adnan Januzaj were fielded for the Red Devils.

United have now suffered consecutive second-round exits from the Carabao Cup.