Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a 2:2 draw and defeat in a 26-penalty shootout to Grimsby Town
- The Red Devils lost to a League 2 side in a major cup for the first time in club history
- Grimsby Town capitalised on two first-half goals by Vernam (22’) and Warren (30’) before sealing their upset in the shootout
Match Overview and Statistical Breakdown
Manchester United crashed out of the Carabao Cup after a dramatic 2:2 stalemate at Grimsby Town was ultimately decided by an epic penalty shootout, with the underdogs prevailing against their illustrious opponents. This defeat marks a historic low for the Red Devils, who had never previously been eliminated by a side from the fourth tier of English football.
Grimsby’s Commanding First-Half Performance
Grimsby Town immediately set the tone at Blundell Park, testing Manchester United’s back line with a threatening cross in the opening minute. The Mariners dominated possession in the early stages, repeatedly unsettling United’s defence, which was plagued by uncertainty and errors.
The home side’s intent was rewarded in the 22nd minute when Vernam calmly finished after a loose ball on the right flank was crossed in by Burns. Andre Onana, returning in goal for United, was arguably at fault as Grimsby took the lead. Grimsby doubled their advantage in the 30th minute, as Warren capitalised on another error from the visiting defence, turning home a delivery from Vernam following a mishandled cross by Onana. In between, the hosts saw a goal disallowed for handball.
Manchester United struggled to muster a response, with their first meaningful chance coming in the 42nd minute, only for Grimsby keeper Christy Pim to deny Benjamin Šeško. The visitors finally managed to apply pressure late in the half, but Grimsby’s organisation and resolve saw them maintain their two-goal cushion at the interval.
😳 ONE OF THE BIGGEST CUPSETS EVER! #EFL | #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/e8wMsNTqOR
— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) August 27, 2025
United’s Response and Second-Half Drama
Three halftime changes—Bryan Mbeumo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Bruno Fernandes—transformed United’s approach as they pressed aggressively to overturn the deficit. Early pressure saw the Mariners clear heroically off their goalline, while Grimsby continued to threaten on the counter, with Gardner closing in on a third but thwarted by Harry Maguire.
United’s desperation left them vulnerable at the back. In the 72nd minute, Gardner again found the net, but the assistant’s raised flag denied Grimsby a third, with VAR unavailable at this stage. The visitors finally halved the deficit in the 75th minute when Mbeumo fired clinically into the right corner.
The pressure was relentless as United encamped in Grimsby’s defensive third. Pim stood tall between the sticks, producing further key saves until finally, after a late scramble, Harry Maguire equalised with a towering header following a corner, sending the contest to penalties.
Penalty Shootout Decides the Tie
The shootout proved a nerve-jangling marathon, stretching to 26 spot-kicks. While most takers found the net, Matheus Cunha’s miss for Manchester United when victory was in sight, and Bryan Mbeumo’s decisive miss at the death, proved costly. Grimsby Town ultimately emerged victorious, sparking jubilation among home supporters and sending the Mariners into the next round at the expense of their top-flight visitors.
Notable Incidents and Analytical Perspective
- Manchester United had multiple defensive lapses and found building play from the back repeatedly problematic
- Andre Onana, recently returned, was directly involved in both goals conceded
- Grimsby overcame two disallowed goals and numerous late United chances with resilient defence and goalkeeping
