Grimsby’s Historic Win Against Man United Soured by £20k Fine

3 September-Kolkata, India: Football League Two club Grimsby Town handed Manchester United one of the biggest shocks of the 2025-26 season after they achieved victory against the Red Devils on penalties, but now authorities have found them guilty of putting an ineligible player on the pitch.

Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United were the favourites to win the Carabao Cup second round encounter against Grimsby Town, who play in the fourth level of English football. They determined to make it their first win of the season after a loss against arch-rivals Arsenal and a draw against Fulham.

Grimsby Town makes fun of the Red Devils

However, the fate for the Red Devils hasn’t changed a bit from their last 3 seasons, as they lost the match against the fourth division English team, oddly. At first, the Red Devils were down 2-0, but later they equalised the score and the match went into penalties. But the fate didn’t smile back on the Red Devils, as Bryan Mbeumo made the last error, causing Matheus Cunha to lose 11–12 in a shootout after missing the opportunity on the last kick of the regular five shots.

Grimsby Town, the fourth division team also known as ‘The Mariners’ for their famous fishing industry and fish products, created a meme on social media that stated, “You’ve just been slapped by the fish,” making fun of Manchester United.

It was a tough defeat for the Portuguese to absorb, as Amorim later accepted after the defeat that “something” needs to change at the club, suggesting that he might resign from his position as coach of Manchester United. But he has now retracted such statements.

Will Manchester United return to Carabao Cup?

However, the Old Trafford team’s supporters feel optimistic that Grimsby Town’s penalty for using an ineligible player against Manchester United may lead to their addition back to the League Cup.

The incident informed the club officials, and they also declared their decision that this season, the Red Devils have no intention of playing in the League Cup again. Grimsby will also participate in the League Cup’s third round as a result.