Grimsby player celebrating a goal against Manchester United
By Richard Tega Enyeh
Manchester United were knocked of Carabao Cup by fourth division team Grimsby Town by 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
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.
Manchester 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.
