League Two Grimsby Town Send Manchester United Packing at Blundell Park

Grimsby Knock Manchester United Out of Carabao Cup in Epic Penalty Shootout

Blundell Park lived its greatest modern night as League Two side Grimsby Town delivered an astonishing Carabao Cup shock, dumping Manchester United out on penalties after a rollercoaster contest that gripped every corner of the old ground.

This was no fleeting upset. It was a story woven with grit, mistakes at the highest level, and the roar of a crowd that believed something extraordinary was possible.

Two goals in the opening half left the Premier League giants rocking, and though United clawed their way back to parity, they could not shake off the tenacity of a home side fighting for pride, history, and the badge.

Grimsby’s fearless start

The Mariners came out with purpose, pressing high and capitalising on United’s defensive frailty.

• Amorim: Manchester United Players “Spoke Loud” in Grimsby Defeat.

A crisp strike from Charles Vernam ignited belief, before the evening tilted further in the underdog’s favour when Tyrell Warren, a former United youth prospect, capitalised on a goalkeeping blunder to double the lead. The stadium erupted, sensing a fairytale might be within reach.

United’s desperate rescue act

Ruben Amorim’s men looked rattled and rudderless before the break, forcing the manager into drastic changes. Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, and Bryan Mbeumo were summoned to salvage the tie.

The cavalry eventually made their mark as Mbeumo found the net late on, and Harry Maguire forced extra time with a dramatic last-minute equaliser. Yet even as United celebrated, the home stands roared louder, and it was a reminder that the script was far from finished.

A penalty drama for the ages

The shootout stretched into the night, every kick raising the tension to unbearable levels. When Matheus Cunha faltered and Mbeumo smashed his second attempt against the crossbar, the dream crystallised into reality.

Grimsby triumphed 12-11, sparking a pitch invasion that will be etched into the club’s folklore.

A night for the history books

For United, this was another brutal chapter in a season already under scrutiny. For Grimsby, it was the kind of night supporters will recount for decades, when a League Two club humbled one of world football’s most famous names under the floodlights at Blundell Park.