Grimsby Town produced a stunning upset, defeating Manchester United in a penalty shootout after a 2-2 draw in the EFL Cup. Vernam and Warren put Grimsby ahead, while Mbeumo and Maguire leveled for United. Grimsby prevailed 12-11 on penalties, marking their first win over United since 1948. The defeat adds pressure on United’s manager, Amorim, after a poor start to the season.
In a result that will be etched in EFL Cup folklore, League Two side Grimsby Town pulled off a sensational upset, defeating Premier League giants Manchester United 12-11 on penalties after a thrilling 2-2 draw. The match, played at a raucous Blundell Park, saw the Mariners display incredible resilience and determination to overcome their illustrious opponents.
The first half belonged to Grimsby, who came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders. Charles Vernam sent the home crowd into raptures in the 22nd minute, unleashing a powerful strike that beat Andre Onana at his near post. The goal was a testament to Grimsby's attacking intent and a wake-up call for a sluggish Manchester United side. Just eight minutes later, the Mariners doubled their advantage, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error from a corner. Tyrell Warren was on hand to pounce on a loose ball, sending it past Onana and sending shockwaves through the stadium.
Trailing by two goals, Manchester United emerged for the second half with renewed purpose. Manager Ruben Amorim made tactical adjustments, and his team began to assert their dominance in possession. However, Grimsby's defense stood firm, frustrating United's attempts to break them down. The Mariners' backline, marshaled by some of the club's unsung heroes, threw their bodies on the line to protect their lead.
United's pressure eventually told in the 78th minute when Bryan Mbeumo, finally finding his scoring touch, curled a beautiful shot into the bottom corner, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense finale. The goal ignited United's attack, and they threw everything they had at Grimsby in search of an equalizer. As the clock ticked down, it seemed as though Grimsby would hold on for a famous victory.
However, Manchester United's never-say-die attitude paid off in the 89th minute. Harry Maguire, rising highest from a Mason Mount corner, powered a header past the Grimsby goalkeeper to level the scores and send the game to penalties. The late goal was a hammer blow for Grimsby, who had defended so valiantly throughout the match.
The penalty shootout was a nerve-shredding affair, with both teams displaying remarkable composure from the spot. Onana saved Clarke Odour's effort, and Christy Pym replicated that on Matheus Cunha’s effort, but neither side blinked as the shootout progressed into sudden death. The tension was palpable as each player stepped up to take their kick, knowing that one mistake could spell the end of their team's journey in the EFL Cup.
Finally, it was Mbeumo who faltered, smashing his second penalty against the crossbar after converting his first. The miss sparked scenes of jubilation among the Grimsby players and fans, who erupted in celebration as they secured a historic victory over one of the biggest clubs in the world.
For Manchester United, the defeat piles further pressure on manager Amorim, whose side has endured a difficult start to the season. Winless in their first three league games, with two defeats and a draw, United face a crucial match against Burnley on Saturday. Amorim will need to rally his troops and find a way to turn their fortunes around quickly.
Onana can’t keep out Burns’ effort. Mbeumo’s hits the bar.
The Reds exit the Carabao Cup.
Grimsby:
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 27, 2025
United: pic.twitter.com/BP7uptPA2v
Elsewhere in the EFL Cup, Everton secured a 2-0 victory over Mansfield Town, thanks to goals from Carlos Alcaraz and Beto. Brighton thrashed Oxford United 6-0, with Stefanos Tzimas scoring twice, while Fulham progressed with a 2-0 win over Bristol City.
Data Debrief: Grimsby's Historic Win Against Wasteful United
Manchester United's profligacy in front of goal proved costly, as they registered an expected goals (xG) of 2.87 compared to Grimsby's 1.61. United managed just nine shots on target from their 28 attempts.
The game was another frustrating outing for Cunha, who failed to find the net and missed his penalty. The Brazilian had six shots but only managed one on target.
Grimsby's victory marked their first win over Manchester United since the 1947-48 season. The two teams had not met competitively since that season, when Grimsby secured a 4-3 win at Old Trafford before drawing 1-1 at Blundell Park.