Grimsby stun Manchester United with penalty shootout victory in League Cup

Manchester United crashed out of the League Cup in shocking fashion on Wednesday after a 12-11 penalty shootout defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby, following a dramatic 2-2 draw at Blundell Park.

The League Two side stunned the Red Devils by going 2-0 up with 15 minutes left through Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren.

Although Bryan Mbeumo sparked a late comeback with his first goal for United before Harry Maguire’s header forced penalties, the Cameroonian forward missed the decisive spot-kick, leaving manager Ruben Amorim under even more pressure.

Amorim, who has yet to win a Premier League game this season, fielded a rotated but still star-studded lineup worth hundreds of millions.

Big-money signing Benjamin Sesko made his debut, while Andre Onana endured a nightmare evening in goal, failing to deal with Vernam’s opener and flapping at a corner that allowed Warren to double Grimsby’s lead.

Grimsby, playing in front of a jubilant 9,000 home crowd, looked the sharper side and could have scored more, with Cameron Gardner’s effort ruled out for handball.

United only found their rhythm late on, with Mbeumo’s long-range strike and Maguire’s late header dragging the game into extra time. Sesko then missed a glorious chance in stoppage time before penalties decided the tie.

After a marathon shootout, which saw both goalkeepers score, Mbeumo struck the crossbar to hand Grimsby one of the greatest victories in their history.

The result compounds United’s woes after finishing 15th in the league last season, their worst since 1974, and losing one of their best chances of silverware this term.

Reports suggest the club could now accelerate a move for Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens before the transfer window closes.

Elsewhere, Brighton advanced with a 6-0 thrashing of Oxford as debutant Stefanos Tzimas bagged a brace, while Fulham and Everton sealed 2-0 wins against Bristol City and Mansfield.