Grimsby vs Man United 2‑2 Draw (12-11 on Pen): Historic Upset

Grimsby Town 2‑2 Manchester United: A Giant‑Killing Carabao Cup Night to Remember

There are upsets, and then there’s this. Under the lights of Blundell Park—a stadium of just under 9,000 souls—Grimsby Town, a proud League Two underdog, held Manchester United to a 2‑2 draw before executing one of the most dramatic penalty shoot‑out endings in recent football memory, prevailing 12‑11. It wasn’t just a match—it was a declaration.

A Blistering First Half from the Mariners

Beneath a stormy sky over Cleethorpes, Grimsby Town seized their moment early. In the 22nd minute, Charles Vernam slotted past an exposed André Onana to thrill the home crowd. Just eight minutes later, rookie defender Tyrell Warren—ironically once on United’s books—slotted in a second, capitalizing on another Onana miscue. The Mariners had stunned the giants and took a deserved 2‑0 lead into halftime.

United’s Frantic Revival—But Still Falling Short

Manchester United responded with a tactical shake-up after the break, bringing on Bruno Fernandes, Matthijs de Ligt, and Bryan Mbeumo. Mbeumo found the net in the 75th minute, igniting hope among the traveling Red Devils. Then, deep in stoppage time, Harry Maguire salvaged a precious equalizer with a thumping header from a Mason Mount corner. The roar of relief was deafening—2‑2 it was, extra time unnecessary, and then came the shootout.

A Marathon Shootout That Ended in Tears for United

What followed can only be described as surreal: a penalty shootout stretching to 26 spot-kicks. Both goalkeepers scored. Luke Matheus Cunha had a chance to win it but missed; the tension mounted. Finally, Bryan Mbeumo—who had equalized—skied his second attempt against the crossbar. And just like that, United was out, and Grimsby was history. Pitch invasions and sheer jubilation ensued.

This is the first time in its storied modern history that Manchester United has been knocked out by a fourth-tier side in the League Cup. Manager Ruben Amorim’s lineup and match-day decisions drew fierce criticism.

Post-match, he admitted his side “looked completely lost,” offered an apology to fans, and promised changes—only fuelling the fire around his future. For Grimsby—and especially Tyrell Warren, a former United youth. Local pride, grit, and collective belief pulled off one of the greatest shocks in Carabao Cup memory.

Match Snapshot

Final Score: Grimsby Town 2‑2 Manchester United (Grimsby win 12‑11 on penalties)
Goalscorers: Charles Vernam (22′), Tyrell Warren (30′); Bryan Mbeumo (75′), Harry Maguire (89′)
Attendance: ~9,000 at Blundell Park