Well, that’s one way to kick off the week! Manchester United fans, are you still reeling from the Carabao Cup shocker against Grimsby? Ruben Amorim was left speechless after the Red Devils suffered a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to the League Two minnows. What do you think went wrong for United?

Manchester United’s Carabao Cup campaign met an ignominious end at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, a defeat that left manager Ruben Amorim utterly exasperated and searching for answers. This humbling exit, marked by a dramatic penalty shootout, represents one of the most significant upsets in the club’s recent history, deservedly inflicted by a determined Grimsby outfit.

For the first time since 2014, when Louis van Gaal’s side famously succumbed 4-0 to MK Dons, the Red Devils found themselves competing in the second round of the competition due to their failure to secure European football. Little did they know, an even more profound embarrassment awaited them at Blundell Park against the plucky League Two opponents.

Grimsby Town, against all odds, produced a performance filled with grit and tactical discipline, deserving their half-time lead courtesy of goals from Charles Vernam and former United product Tyrell Warren. The hosts capitalised on United’s lacklustre display, demonstrating a hunger and intensity that their Premier League counterparts sorely lacked throughout the opening period.

The match ultimately spiralled into a tense penalty shootout after Manchester United managed to claw their way back, forcing the game beyond regulation time. However, the dramatic climax saw Matheus Cunha squander a crucial opportunity to secure victory, and eventually, Mbeumo’s second effort struck the crossbar, sealing a crushing 12-11 loss that will undoubtedly leave deep scars on the club.

Post-match, a visibly agitated Ruben Amorim struggled to articulate his disappointment, summarising the performance with a stark “Everything.” When pressed to elaborate on the most disheartening aspect of the display, the Manchester United boss emphasised the team’s abysmal start, stating, “The way we started the game we were not even here.”

Amorim, keen to move past the immediate shock, redirected focus to the upcoming fixtures before the looming international break. He hinted at a period of introspection and strategic planning during the stoppage, acknowledging that the team needed to “think things through” following such a catastrophic result.

The Portuguese tactician’s frustration was palpable, especially when questions turned to the short-term future, with Monday’s transfer deadline rapidly approaching. Amorim conceded the limitations of immediate change, stating, “No, you cannot change so much. You cannot change everything in one summer,” highlighting the challenges of a rapid squad overhaul.

In stark contrast to United’s despair, victorious Grimsby manager David Artell celebrated a truly momentous occasion for his club and the entire community. He lauded his players’ “terrific” efforts, acknowledging that they deserved “every plaudit, every credit and accolade” for their historic achievement.

Artell maintained a grounded perspective despite the euphoria, reminding everyone that while it was a “terrific night,” the team’s league campaign had only just begun. He proudly highlighted Grimsby’s unbeaten status in the current season, underscoring the team’s growing confidence and the rare significance of such a cup giant-killing.