In the second round of the English League Cup, an unexpected and dramatic clash took place at Blundell Park Stadium in Cleethorpes. In this match, the famous Premier League club Manchester United faced Grimsby, a team with far fewer resources, and the result turned out to be sensational.
The match started very intensely. Already in the 22nd minute, Charles Vernam opened the scoring for the hosts. In the 30th minute, Tyrell Warren doubled Grimsby’s lead. For United, this was a shocking blow.
After that, the Mancunians took control. In the 75th minute, Brian Mbeumo reduced the deficit, giving United hope. At the very end, experienced defender Harry Maguire appeared — in the 89th minute, he equalized the score at 2:2.
Regular time and added minutes did not determine a winner. Everything came down to penalties. There the drama unfolded: Manchester United’s Mateus Cunha failed to convert his attempt. United’s goalkeeper André Onana unexpectedly saved Clark Oduor’s shot. However, in the long series, luck was on the side of the hosts — they won 12:11. The last kick from Bryan Mbeumo failed to turn into a goal. Thus, in a 13-shot penalty shootout, the 4th division team claimed victory. The Red Devils left the tournament in the very first stage.
This victory has historic significance for Grimsby. On the one hand, the club defeated one of England’s most prestigious teams; on the other, it gave fans an unforgettable showdown.
English League Cup. Round of 64 (1/32 final)
Grimsby — Manchester United 2:2 (Pens. 12:11)
Goals: Vernam (22), Warren (30) — Mbeumo (75), Maguire (89).
Grimsby: Pym, Sweeney, Gannett, Warren, Rogers, Vernam, MacEachran, Khouri, Green, Burns, Gardner.
Manchester United: Onana, Heven, Maguire, Fredriksson, Dorgu, Cunha, Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot, Šeško.
Bookings: Fredriksson (36), Zirkzee (87), Khouri (87), Gannett (88).
According to experts, this defeat was a heavy blow for Manchester United, but the fans respected Grimsby's great courage.
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