On August 27, 2025, Manchester United traveled to Blundell Park—the modest home of Grimsby Town—for the second round of the Carabao (League) Cup. Blundell Park seats just over 9,000 spectators, making the setting all the more David vs Goliath.
Match Summary
- First Half: Grimsby stunned United with two quickfire goals. Charles Vernam struck in the 22nd minute, followed by Tyrell Warren’s tap-in shortly after.
- Second Half: United responded with substitutes. Bryan Mbeumo pulled one back in the 75th minute, and captain Harry Maguire salvaged a lifeline with an 89th-minute header, forcing penalties.
- Penalty Shootout: A nerve-wracking marathon ended 12–11 in Grimsby’s favor. Mbeumo’s second effort hit the crossbar, sealing United’s humiliating exit.
Historical Significance
- This marked the first time in history that Manchester United were eliminated from a cup competition by a fourth-tier English team.
- The club’s defeat to such a lower-tier opponent was widely regarded as probably the greatest humiliation in its recent history.
Reactions & Fallout

Manager & Team Response
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim described his team as “completely lost” and acknowledged their lack of character, saying that Grimsby were the better side today.
Media & Fan Backlash
- United faced a barrage of criticism:
- Fans labeled Amorim a “coward” on social media for his perceived tactical drawbacks and lack of composure during the shootout.
- Reports emphasized the gravity of the result—one calling it a “historic upset” and branding it one of the club’s lowest moments.
Broader Implications
- The defeat piled more pressure on Amorim, who had already guided United to their worst season in decades. His win rate was barely above 37%, and this may prove a tipping point.
- Grimsby’s triumph underscored the magic—and unpredictability—of cup football. As one Grimsby player put it, “It’s an amazing feeling, one that will live on forever.”
Head-to-Head Balance
Interestingly, this win evened the overall record between the two sides: 16 wins each, with 6 draws, out of 38 meetings.
Final Thoughts
Grimsby Town vs Manchester United was more than just a match—it was a seismic moment in Cup football. A small club’s triumph against the odds exemplified the romance of the game, while Manchester United’s implosion under pressure highlighted deeper troubles. Cup upsets are timeless—but few resonate quite like this one.