Grimsby Town vs Manchester United Highlights – How One of the Biggest Upsets in the Carabao Cup History Unfolded!

A night that will live long in the memories of Grimsby Town fans ended in pure ecstasy for the League Two side as they dumped Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup. The match ended in a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout win for Grimsby Town after a 2-2 draw at Blundell Park. For United and under-pressure manager Ruben Amorim, it marked a new low.

It was United’s earliest exit in over a decade and the first to a fourth-tier team in the League Cup. The Red Devils suffered a humbling defeat that exposed flaws across the pitch and increased doubts over Amorim’s leadership. Meanwhile, the hard-fought win marked a monumental achievement for David Artell’s Grimsby side, who toppled one of English football’s most decorated clubs.

You’ve been slapped by the fish! 🐟 #GTFC pic.twitter.com/wv6whQiLf2
— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) August 27, 2025

First Half – Grimsby Stun United Early

12’ | 1-0 Grimsby (Charles Vernam): The home side shocked the visitors when Charles Vernam capitalized on sloppy play in midfield. Kieran Green dispossessed Amad Diallo and Manuel Ugarte before Darragh Burns whipped in a far-post cross. Vernam pounced with a crisp low finish past Andre Onana to give the home side a shock lead.
30’ | 2-0 Grimsby (Tyrell Warren): It got worse for United in the first half. Onana, already jittery, fumbled a routine catch from a corner under pressure. The ball dropped to former United academy man Tyrell Warren, who poked into an empty net to double the lead.

The first 45 minutes ended with Blundell Park rocking, as chants of “sacked in the morning” rang towards Amorim. Notably, Man United’s 3-4-3 system in the first half left their midfield exposed. Meanwhile, the attacking trio of Sesko, Cunha and Diallo looked toothless.

Look at Onana, man.

If we don't sell this guy after this game, then we're not a serious institution.pic.twitter.com/UQkHFu2T5N
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) August 27, 2025

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Second Half – United Fight Back

HT Substitutions: Amorim introduced Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matthijs de Ligt to inject quality and leadership into his team.
73’ | Offside lifeline for United: Cameron Gardner thought he’d made it 3-0 after latching onto a loose ball, but VAR ruled him narrowly offside, sparing United from total collapse.
75’ | 2-1 United (Bryan Mbeumo): Manchester United’s comeback was sparked by new signing Mbeumo, who finished coolly into the corner after a clever run. Suddenly, belief flickered back into United’s play.
89’ | 2-2 United (Harry Maguire): As he so often does, United’s center-back Harry Maguire stepped up in the 89th minute to level the match. The England international headed home from close range after sustained pressure, leveling the scores 2-2 and crushing Grimsby hearts — or so it seemed.
90+5’ | Sesko’s horror miss: Manchester United’s new £74m striker Benjamin Sesko, with the final kick of regulation time, skied a simple chance from six yards out. That glaring miss felt like an omen of what was to come.

Benjamin Sesko vs. Grimsby (4th tier – League Two)

🔸96 mins played
🔸0 goals
🔸0 assists
🔸1 big chance missed
🔸1 dribble completed
🔸7 passes (64% accuracy)
🔸2/12 duels won

Scared of the shootout, took last outfielder pen

Worst ST performance of all time? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/X1jH7IkTlC
— PB (@football_pb) August 27, 2025

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Penalty Shootout – Marathon Heartbreak

Both sides were flawless through the opening set of penalties, though Matheus Cunha had the chance to win it for United after Oduor’s shot was saved by Onana. However, Cunha saw his tame effort saved by Grimsby keeper Christy Pym. The shootout entered sudden death, with the remaining players from each team stepping up.

At 12-11, Darragh Burns coolly slotted his second penalty for Grimsby. Bryan Mbeumo, tasked with keeping United alive, smashed his attempt against the crossbar. Mbeumo’s miss sealed one of the biggest upsets in League Cup history and sparked wild celebrations from the Grimsby fans, who invaded the pitch in celebration. Meanwhile, United players stood shell-shocked after one of the most embarrassing results in the Red Devil’s history.

Carabao Cup

Grimsby Town

Man United

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.