Grimsby beats Man Utd in penalty drama
Grimsby Town fans stormed the pitch in celebration after their team pulled off a monumental upset, knocking Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup in a truly sensational match.
While national headlines may focus on another humbling defeat for the fallen giants, the League Two side cared only about achieving one of the greatest results in their history.
Charles Vernam and former United youngster Tyrell Warren gave Grimsby a stunning 2-0 lead within 30 minutes, sending a sold-out Blundell Park crowd of 8,647 into raptures.
Manchester United fought back with goals from Bryan Mbeumo after 75 minutes and Harry Maguire in the 89th, seemingly breaking Grimsby’s hearts—until a historic penalty shootout saw Town triumph 12-11.
Both goalkeepers scored from the spot, and after Jaze Kabia and Darragh Burns netted their second attempts, Mbeumo’s miss against the crossbar sealed a legendary victory.
BBC pundit Chris Sutton captured the moment: “It's wild. The Grimsby fans invading the pitch—they've never seen anything like this! They deserved it for the way they played. The shootout was as mad as the game. Now THAT is a giant killing.”
Reactions: “Put This Club Back on the Map”
The official Grimsby Town Twitter account cheekily posted: “You've just been slapped by the fish.”
Grimsby keeper Christy Pym, who saved one penalty and scored in the shootout, told Sky Sports: “It's not sunk in yet. I'm a Man Utd fan, so I'm half-fuming! Nights like this are what you play football for. Just brilliant.”
Manager David Artell, appointed in November 2023, called it a “terrific night for the football club, the whole town, and the community.” He praised his players, saying: “They deserve every plaudit. We’ve been working to put this club back on the map.”
Even Manchester United’s manager Amorim admitted: “The best team won tonight.”
Just How Big of a Shock Was This?
Carabao Cup’s social media declared it: “ONE OF THE BIGGEST CUPSETS EVER!”
Manchester United had never lost to a fourth-tier side in the EFL Cup and hadn’t played in the second round since 2014. Despite their recent struggles, they were heavy favorites at 1-7 odds to win in 90 minutes.
The financial gap was staggering: Grimsby’s squad is valued at around £3.1m, compared to United’s £765m roster. Yet, on the pitch, in front of a crowd just over 10% the size of Old Trafford, Grimsby stood tall.
Chris Sutton praised the team’s courage: “There was no inferiority complex from Grimsby. If anything, it was the other way around.”
Former United striker Dion Dublin added on 5 Live: “Grimsby fully deserved this. They were organized, courageous, and outplayed United.”
This victory will be remembered as one of the greatest in Grimsby’s history—a true testament to the magic of the cup.
