Grimsby Town produced one of the greatest nights in their history as they dumped Premier League giants Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout at Blundell Park.
The League Two side showed no fear from the first whistle, taking a deserved lead through Charles Vernam. Former United academy product Tyrell Warren doubled the advantage before half-time, leaving Ruben Amorim with no choice but to unleash his star-studded bench in the second half.
Substitute Bryan Mbeumo sparked hope for United with a clinical finish in the 75th minute, and captain Harry Maguire forced penalties with a late equaliser two minutes from time.
What followed was a nerve-shredding shootout. Clarke Oduor’s early miss looked costly, but Grimsby goalkeeper Christy Pym denied Matheus Cunha to level things up. Both sides converted flawlessly deep into sudden death until Mbeumo, the man who had started United’s comeback, struck the crossbar with his second attempt.
That miss sent the Blundell Park crowd into wild celebrations as David Artell’s Mariners sealed a famous 12-11 win on penalties to book their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup.
For Grimsby, it was a night of history and belief. For Manchester United, a humbling exit and a bitter blow to Amorim’s early reign.
