Manchester United suffered a humiliating Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, losing on penalties after a dramatic second-round clash at Blundell Park.

The Red Devils, despite fielding a strong XI, were outplayed for long spells before bowing out in one of the most extraordinary shootouts in the competition’s history.

First-half nightmare for United

Rúben Amorim handed Benjamin Šeško his first start alongside Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, Patrick Dorgu and returning goalkeeper André Onana. But United looked unsettled from the off as Grimsby pressed with intensity, refusing to be overawed by their Premier League visitors.

The hosts drew first blood when Darragh Burns picked out Charles Vernam in the box. With one deft touch to control and another to rifle past Onana at the near post, Grimsby fans erupted into dreamland. Their joy doubled eight minutes later when Onana flapped at a corner, allowing Tyrell Warren to bundle the ball home. Despite protests for handball, the goal stood—leaving United stunned and the home support chanting “sacked in the morning”.

Šeško’s header tested Christy Pym, but the Grimsby keeper stood tall as the half ended with United trailing 2-0.

United rally, but Grimsby refuse to break.

Amorim responded with a triple change at half-time, introducing captain Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo and Matthijs de Ligt. Under heavy rain, United dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Grimsby defence. Pym again denied Fernandes with a superb diving stop as frustrations mounted.

Mbeumo sparked hope with his first United goal—a curling strike from the edge of the box that beat Pym all ends up. The Red Devils pushed relentlessly and were finally rewarded in the 89th minute when Harry Maguire bundled in the equaliser. De Ligt even had a chance to win it late but blazed over, sending the tie to penalties.

Epic shootout drama ends United’s hopes

The shootout itself turned into a marathon. Onana produced a brilliant save to deny Clarke Oduor, while Mount and Dalot converted confidently. But when Cunha’s attempt was saved, the contest stretched into sudden death.

Incredibly, both goalkeepers even scored from the spot as the drama reached surreal levels. It wasn’t until the 26th penalty that Mbeumo, United’s earlier saviour, struck the crossbar—sending Grimsby into delirium. Fans stormed the pitch as United’s Carabao Cup defence ended in shocking fashion.

Pressure mounts on Amorim.

The result heaps enormous pressure on Amorim, who has already dropped points in consecutive Premier League games. For Grimsby, however, it will go down as one of the greatest nights in their history—a League Two giant-killing that will be remembered for years.