Manchester United suffered fresh humiliation as fourth-tier Grimsby Town beat them 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the English League Cup.
Goals from Charles Vernam and former United youth player Tyrell Warren gave Grimsby a deserved two-goal lead at halftime in Wednesday’s second-round clash at Blundell Park.
United struggled in torrential rain but found a lifeline when Bryan Mbeumo scored his first goal for the club to reduce the deficit in the second half.
Grimsby defended bravely but Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute header levelled the tie and forced a dramatic penalty shootout.
The shootout lasted 18 minutes, with Matheus Cunha missing the chance to win it before Mbeumo hit the bar to send Grimsby fans into celebration.
United manager Ruben Amorim watched the shootout from the dugout. The Portuguese faces growing pressure after another disappointing result.
“I know the best team won. The only team that was on the pitch. The best players lose,” Amorim told reporters in a cryptic post-match comment.
“There’s nothing more to say. The team spoke loud today. We lost. The best team won,” he added.
Other Premier League sides had no such issues, as Brighton thrashed Oxford United 6-0, Everton beat Mansfield Town 2-0, and Fulham edged Bristol City 2-0.
Having taken just one point from two league games, United were hoping to spark their season to life. Instead, they suffered a new low.
Since taking charge, Amorim has earned 28 points from 29 Premier League matches – United’s worst start since 1974.
He was backed in the transfer window with big-money signings but has failed to halt the club’s downward spiral.
Amorim handed a first start to £73 million signing Benjamin Sesko, recalled goalkeeper Andre Onana, and included Kobbie Mainoo for his season debut.
United were poor in the first half and fell behind in the 22nd minute when Vernam beat Onana at his near post after a well-worked move.
Grimsby doubled their lead eight minutes later as Onana failed to claim a cross and Warren tapped in from close range.
After the break, Amorim introduced Bruno Fernandes and Mbeumo, but United were fortunate not to trail 3-0 as Grimsby had a goal ruled out.
Mbeumo offered a spark with a calm finish, and Maguire’s header in the closing moments appeared to have spared United’s blushes.
Sesko nearly won it in stoppage time during a goalmouth scramble, but Grimsby held on to force the penalty decider.
Onana made a crucial save in the shootout, but Cunha’s poor effort was stopped, keeping the hosts alive.
Fifteen consecutive penalties were then converted before Mbeumo struck the crossbar, ending United’s campaign and igniting wild celebrations.
“We started with no intensity, no pressure, no ideas. We were completely lost,” Amorim admitted after the game. “It’s hard to explain.”
NAN
