Manchester United crashed out of the League Cup in shocking fashion on Wednesday, losing 12-11 on penalties to League Two side Grimsby after a 2-2 draw at Blundell Park.
The fourth-tier hosts stormed into a two-goal lead through Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren, before United staged a late comeback. Bryan Mbeumo pulled one back with his first goal for the club, and Harry Maguire headed in an 89th-minute equaliser to force penalties.
However, Mbeumo turned from hero to villain, striking the decisive spot-kick against the bar to hand Grimsby a famous victory — their first over United since 1948.
The defeat heaps pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, who is already under fire after a winless start to the Premier League season. United, who finished a dismal 15th last term, saw one of their few realistic trophy chances vanish in what is being described as one of the worst results in the club’s history.
Amorim had fielded a rotated but expensively assembled side, with Benjamin Sesko making his first start since a £74 million move from RB Leipzig and Andre Onana returning in goal. But Onana endured another torrid night, at fault for Warren’s strike and failing to inspire confidence, fuelling talk of a late move for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Despite throwing on Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt and Mbeumo at half-time, United lacked creativity and composure. Sesko then missed a golden chance to win it deep into stoppage time before the marathon shootout.
Elsewhere, Brighton eased through with a 6-0 thrashing of Oxford as Stefanos Tzimas scored twice on debut, while Fulham and Everton sealed 2-0 wins over Bristol City and Mansfield respectively.
