Grimsby Stun Man. United in Cup shock: Fourth-Tier Minnows dump Red Devils 

Manchester United crashed to one of the most humiliating defeats in their modern history on Wednesday night as fourth-tier Grimsby Town sensationally dumped them out of the League Cup after a nerve-shredding 12-11 penalty shootout at Blundell Park.

In a match played amid thunder, lightning, and torrential rain, United fell two goals behind at halftime as Charles Vernam struck in the 22nd minute before Tyrell Warren, once of United’s own youth ranks, doubled the lead after a horrendous mistake by goalkeeper Andre Onana.

Grimsby, facing United for the first time in 77 years, defended with grit and passion, and while Bryan Mbeumo gave United hope with his first goal for the club, the Red Devils’ misery deepened. Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute header forced penalties, but what followed was nothing short of farce.

The shootout lasted 18 agonizing minutes, with United twice failing to seal victory, first when Matheus Cunha’s tame effort was saved, then when Mbeumo rattled the crossbar to send the home crowd into ecstasy.

Manager Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag last season, was left staring into the Humber gloom, his position already under fierce scrutiny after a dismal start to the campaign. Having delivered United’s worst season since 1974 last term, and despite being heavily backed in the transfer window, Amorim looked powerless as his team were torn apart by lower-league opposition.

Elsewhere, the other Premier League sides had no such trouble, Brighton obliterated Oxford United 6-0, Everton beat Mansfield Town 2-0, and Fulham cruised past Bristol City 2-0.