Manchester United were eliminated from the League Cup after Grimsby Town, from the fourth tier, beat them 12-11 on penalties following a 2-2 draw at Blundell Park on Wednesday night.
Grimsby opened the scoring through Charles Vernam in the 22nd minute before ex-United academy player Tyrell Warren took advantage of another Andre Onana mistake to make it 2-0 just eight minutes later. United, visibly off their game and lethargic, seemed to be heading for a disaster that was a third goal for the Mariners, but it never happened.
After the interval Ruben Amorim brought on Bruno Fernandes and new signing Bryan Mbeumo, and the latter made it 2-1 with a neat finish, giving hope to the visitors. Harry Maguire’s late bullet header in the 89th minute earned the shootout, at which point the theater exploded with excitement.
The agony of a shootout stretching over 18 minutes continued with Matheus Cunha failing to take the opportunity to end the game in favor of United and Mbeumo’s shot hitting the crossbar giving Grimsby the advantage to create a sensational upset.
This loss adds to the pressure on Amorim who has had a very tough time since stepping in for Erik ten Hag. The arrival of the Portuguese coach that was heavily anticipated now faces the question of how long the club will stand by him as the troubles of United deepen and Grimsby throw a party they will remember for a long time.
