Manchester United Faces Stunning League Cup Exit to Grimsby

Grimsby (England), Aug 28 (AP) - A Dramatic Exit for Manchester United in League Cup Shocker

Manchester United's challenging times continued under manager Ruben Amorim as they encountered an unexpected defeat against fourth-tier Grimsby Town, leading to their elimination in the second round of the English League Cup.

The match at Blundell Park, which holds just 9,000 fans, ended in a dramatic 12-11 penalty shootout in favor of Grimsby. The decisive moment came when Bryan Mbeumo missed the crucial penalty for United. This came after United's late comeback in regulation, with goals from Mbeumo and Harry Maguire, allowed them to draw 2-2, having been 2-0 down at halftime.

This result is likely to be remembered as one of the most humbling in United's storied history, leaving the club winless in their opening three matches of the campaign, following a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League the previous season.

The jubilant scenes at Blundell Park saw Grimsby fans flood the pitch, celebrating their historic triumph. Grimsby's Charles Vernam, one of the goal-scorers on the night, described the occasion as “an amazing feeling, one that will live on forever.”

Grimsby, currently ranked fourth in League Two, showcased the strength of their academy graduates alongside an international player from the Faeroe Islands against a Manchester United side boasting a £200 million ($270 million) attack, including new signings Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko.

Cunha's penalty was saved during the shootout, while Sesko took a shot as United's 10th penalty taker, positioned only ahead of goalkeeper Andre Onana. After both goalkeepers, including Grimsby's Christy Pym, successfully converted their attempts, it returned to the outfield players. Bruno Fernandes kept United alive with his conversion, but ultimate pressure fell on Mbeumo, who missed.

Grimsby's midfielder Kieran Green reflected on the team's morale boost from their manager who reminded them, “All the pressure is on them,” showing Grimsby played with no fear.

Despite being a Manchester United fan, goalkeeper Pym admitted mixed emotions, “I'm half-fuming a little bit."

This setback further stresses the need for results from Amorim, whose record shows just 16 wins across 44 games leading United since his appointment last November. Amorim stayed seated during the dramatic shootout, visibly avoiding watching.

Previously, United showed promise in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their league opener, but reverted back to problematic patterns with a 1-1 draw against Fulham. Such inconsistency is a fast reminder of last season's struggles.

Following the match, Amorim openly criticized their lackluster start against Grimsby, admitting, “We were completely lost,” and issued an apology to United supporters.

Back in the second round for the first time since 2014, United failed to progress past what should have been a routine encounter. The last occurrence in the same competition saw them suffer a 4-0 defeat to MK Dons.

Elsewhere in the Competition: Brighton coasted to a resounding 6-0 victory over Oxford, Everton secured a 2-0 win over Mansfield, and Fulham triumphed 2-0 against Bristol City.

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