Ruben Amorim`s Manchester United continues to face challenging times. On Wednesday, they managed to fight back from a 0-2 deficit against League Two side Grimsby Town, only to lose 11-12 in a dramatic post-match penalty shootout. This unexpected result led to the Red Devils` elimination from the League Cup in only the second round.
Grimsby scored the opening goal in the 22nd minute, courtesy of Charles Vernam, who capitalized on the visitors` hesitant start. Despite greater ball possession (58.2% to 41.8%), United appeared less effective: both teams took three shots, but Grimsby had two shots on target and 0.24 expected goals, while the Mancunians failed to register a single shot on target, accumulating only 0.1 expected goals.
The situation for Manchester United worsened just eight minutes later when Tyrell Warren scored Grimsby`s second goal from a corner kick. United goalkeeper Andre Onana seemed perfectly positioned to intercept the ball but failed to secure it, allowing Warren to easily tap it into an empty net.
After halftime, Amorim made three substitutions, and in the second half, the Red Devils significantly intensified their attack. They managed to score two late goals, sending the match to a penalty shootout. First, substitute Bryan Mbeumo scored in the 75th minute with a precise shot after a run towards the penalty area. Then, in the 89th minute, Harry Maguire leveled the score with a classic header from a set-piece.
In the penalty shootout, Onana partially redeemed himself for his earlier error by saving Clarke Oduor`s penalty, giving United an advantage. However, Grimsby goalkeeper Christy Pym saved Matheus Cunha`s spot-kick, sending the shootout into sudden death. The shootout was so lengthy that both goalkeepers even took their turns from the spot. Ultimately, in the 13th round of penalties, Mbeumo hit the crossbar, securing Grimsby a 12-11 victory and progression to the next stage.
This match contributes to United`s winless start to the season, which includes one loss and two draws, further exacerbating Amorim`s difficult spell since taking charge of the club in November.
