Premier League giants Manchester United have suffered another blow, as they were eliminated from the second round of the EFL Cup or Carabao Cup 2025/26 by the fourth-tier team, League Two team, Grimsby Town.
It was the first time since the 2014/15 season that Manchester United were playing the second round of the EFL Cup, as they couldn’t qualify for the European competition of the season while finishing in 15th position in the Premier League 2024/25. The 2014/15 season was also the last time Man United faced a defeat in the second round of the EFL Cup.
In the second round of the Carabao Cup 2025/26, Manchester United faced the host Grimsby Town, a fourth-tier team, which currently participates in League Two. It was their first meeting since 1948.
Manchester United's late comeback from 2-0 behind
In the latest second-round game of the Carabao Cup 2025/26, Man United suffered a big blow as the hosts got a 2-0 lead in the 30 minutes of the first half. While Charles Vernam opened the scoreline in the 22nd minute, Tyrell Warren doubled the lead in the 30th minute.
After fighting very hard, Man United finally netted in the 75th minute, thanks to the new signing Bryan Mbeumo. Later, Harry Maguire's header equalised the scoreline in the 89th minute.
There was no extra time battle as the game went straight to the penalty shoot-out out which was a lengthy battle. Manchester United had a great chance to seal the game before the sudden death, while Clarke Oduor’s shot was saved by the visiting goalie Andre Onana in the fourth round of the shootout. However, the visitors’ fifth shot, taken by Matheus Cunha, was saved by the home goalie Christy Pym.
The sudden death in the penalty shootout went very long, as the players even started their second shot in the shootout. Ultimately, the penalty shootout ended with the 12-11 scoreline, as Bryan Mbeumo’s shot hit the post, and the Red Devils were out of the competition, while Grimsby Town secured a memorable night.
Carabao Cup 2025/26 (Second Round): Grimsby Town vs Manchester United penalty shootout complete scenario
Penalties (12-11) | |||
Grimsby Town
| Manchester United
| ||
Bruno Fernandes
Bryan Mbeumo
Mason Mount
Diogo Dalot
Matheus Cunha
Joshua Zirkzee
Harry Maguire
Kobbie Mainoo
Matthijs de Ligt
Benjamin Šeško
André Onana
Bruno Fernandes
Bryan Mbeumo
