In one of the most startling upsets in recent English football history, Manchester United were knocked out of the EFL Cup by fourth-tier side Grimsby Town in an epic penalty shootout. The drama unfolded on August 27, 2025, at Grimsby’s Blundell Park, where the League Two team stunned the Premier League giants 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.
Match Overview
Grimsby Town took an early lead with goals by Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren securing a 2-0 advantage at halftime. Manchester United struggled for much of the first half despite a strong lineup that included new signings like Benjamin Sesko. However, United responded brilliantly in the second half with substitute Bryan Mbeumo scoring to get them back into the contest, and a late header from Harry Maguire levelled the score at 2-2, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Timeline of Key Events
| Minute | Event | Player/Team | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13′ | Goal | Charles Vernam (Grimsby) | Opens scoring with a cross assist from Darragh Burns |
| 44′ | Goal | Tyrell Warren (Grimsby) | Scores from a cross, capitalizing on keeper’s positioning |
| 63′ | Goal | Bryan Mbeumo (Man Utd) | Substitute Mbeumo fires low finish inside the box |
| 89′ | Goal | Harry Maguire (Man Utd) | Header from a corner to equalize |
Penalty Shootout Drama
The shootout became a marathon, with both teams showing remarkable nerve and accuracy. All 11 players from each side took their penalties, and the shootout extended into sudden death rounds. Ultimately, it was Grimsby’s Darragh Burns who scored the winning penalty after Manchester United’s Bryan Mbeumo saw his shot crash against the crossbar.
Penalty Shootout Summary
| Round | Player (Grimsby) | Result | Player (Man Utd) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Player 1 | Score | Player 1 | Score |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| 11 | Player 11 | Score | Player 11 | Score |
| 12 | Darragh Burns | Score | Bryan Mbeumo | Miss (Crossbar) |
The 12-11 penalty scoreline was one of the longest shootouts in modern English football and highlighted the unpredictability of knockout cup competitions.
Implications and Reactions
Manchester United’s defeat is a huge blow for the club as they were considered favorites to progress given their squad strength. This loss adds to the pressure on manager Ruben Amorim, who took over in November and is tasked with rejuvenating the team following a disappointing 15th-place finish last season. New signings, including expensive attackers like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, could not prevent this embarrassing exit.
Grimsby Town, on the other hand, recorded one of the greatest victories in their history. Currently fourth in League Two, the victory has sparked jubilant celebrations among fans and players alike and highlights the magic of the EFL Cup where lower-league teams routinely get a chance to challenge and sometimes overcome giants.
Upcoming EFL Cup Third Round Draw
Following this dramatic match, the EFL Cup third-round draw has set the stage for intriguing fixtures. Grimsby Town’s advancement to the next round promises more excitement and further opportunities for cup upsets. Manchester United will now redirect focus to their Premier League and FA Cup campaigns.
This historic match underlines the unpredictable beauty of English cup football and serves as a reminder that no club, no matter the stature, is immune to the heartbreak of elimination at the hands of determined underdogs.