Manchester United Humiliated by a Fourth Division Team in the English League Cup

Manchester United experienced a humiliating exit from the League Cup against fourth-tier Grimsby on Wednesday, succumbing 12-11 in an extended penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw.

Manchester United experienced a humiliating exit from the League Cup against fourth-tier Grimsby on Wednesday, succumbing 12-11 in an extended penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw. Grimsby, a League Two team, was ahead 2-0 with only 15 minutes remaining, thanks to goals from Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren. A late resurgence from the Red Devils was ignited by Bryan Mbeumo’s first goal for the club; however, the Cameroonian failed to convert the crucial penalty, intensifying the pressure on the beleaguered United manager, Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese coach was already under scrutiny following a winless beginning to United’s Premier League season.

The 20-time English champions concluded last season in 15th place, marking their poorest league performance since their relegation in 1974.

Now, one of their only two viable opportunities for a trophy this season has vanished in what is considered one of the most disappointing results in the club’s history.

Amorim implemented eight changes from the team that drew 1-1 against Fulham on Sunday, yet still fielded a squad that cost hundreds of millions of pounds, filled with international players.

Benjamin Sesko made his inaugural start for United after a £74 million transfer from RB Leipzig ($99 million), while Andre Onana returned for a night he would prefer to forget as United’s goalkeeper.

Grimsby had been anticipating a visit from United since 1948 and surged out of the blocks to rightfully earn their two-goal lead at half-time.

Vernam struck a low, powerful shot past Onana at his near post in the 22nd minute, much to the delight of the majority of the 9,000-strong crowd at Blundell Park.

The hosts continued to ridicule the three-division disparity between the teams.

Cameron Gardner found the net but had a second goal disallowed for a handball.

However, moments later, Grimsby did extend their lead when Onana failed to secure a corner, allowing Warren to tap in gratefully.

Onana’s dismal performance may accelerate United’s rumored pursuit of Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens in the closing days of the transfer window.

Amorim reacted at half-time by introducing captain Bruno Fernandes, Mbeumo, and Matthijs de Ligt in a bid to salvage the match.

Despite United’s control in the second half, they lacked creativity until Mbeumo aimed and curled a shot into the bottom corner from outside the area.

Harry Maguire has been pushed forward as an emergency striker at times during Amorim’s challenging tenure and appeared to have delivered a significant moment for his manager in the 89th minute when the England international headed in Mason Mount’s corner.

Sesko then squandered a remarkable opportunity to clinch the tie five minutes into stoppage time, ensuring that penalties would be required.