Overview

• The tie at Old Trafford finished 2-2 after Grimsby surged 2-0 ahead through Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren before Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire leveled late.
• Grimsby advanced 12-11 on penalties after 26 kicks, with Matheus Cunha missing earlier and Mbeumo striking the bar on United’s final attempt as even André Onana stepped up to take a kick.
• Ruben Amorim apologized to fans post-match and said the better team won, criticizing his side’s lack of intensity from the start.
• The upset was delivered by a League Two side with a modest squad budget, sharpening the contrast with United’s major outlay on attackers this summer.
• United’s early exit from a realistic trophy route amplifies questions over identity and leadership, with fans voicing calls for Amorim to resign.