*Goals: Vernam 22', Warren 30' - Mbeumo 75', Maguire 89'
Manchester United suffered a shock defeat to fourth-tier Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup, losing 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Grimsby took a surprising 2-0 lead in the first half. In the 22nd minute, Amad lost possession in midfield and inadvertently tripped defensive midfielder Manuel Ugarte, sparking a quick counter-attack. Charles Vernam, receiving the ball on the left side of the box, shot low towards the near post. Goalkeeper Andre Onana got a hand to it, but couldn't prevent the goal.
Eight minutes later, Onana made a bigger error, coming off his line to punch a cross but missing the ball completely. The ball fell to Tyrell Warren, who easily tapped it into the empty net. Replays showed the ball hitting Warren's hand, but VAR is not used in the second round of the League Cup.
The two quick goals energized the Grimsby fans, who chanted, "You're getting sacked in the morning," aimed at manager Ruben Amorim.
 |
Vernam (right) scores the opening goal for Grimsby Town. Photo: PA |
Vernam (right) scores the opening goal for Grimsby Town. Photo: PA
In response, Amorim brought on key players in the second half, including Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and Mason Mount. The visitors rallied, pulling a goal back through Mbeumo's brilliant curling effort from outside the box. In the 89th minute, Maguire headed home a Bruno Fernandes corner to level the score at 2-2.
In the penalty shootout, Onana made amends by saving midfielder Clarke Oduor's shot. However, new signing Matheus Cunha also missed, his penalty saved by goalkeeper Christy Pym.
Historically, Man Utd has always progressed against fourth-tier opponents in the League Cup. Grimsby Town held a favorable head-to-head record, having won six, drawn four, and lost only two matches against Man Utd in the past. However, before this match, the last time the two teams met was 77 years ago.
Hoang An
