Manchester United suffered one of the most humiliating nights in their modern history after being dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town. The Red Devils crashed out on penalties (12-11) following a dramatic 2-2 draw at Blundell Park, with furious fans demanding that several underperforming stars be left behind in Cleethorpes.
United, managed by Ruben Amorim, were overwhelming favourites to progress but instead bowed out of one of their only realistic chances at silverware this season. It was the club’s first-ever defeat in the competition against a fourth-tier opponent, and the fallout from supporters has been brutal.
Dalot & Ugarte Targeted After Disastrous Display
While Andre Onana once again found himself under the spotlight for another error-ridden night, the spotlight also fell on Diogo Dalot and Manuel Ugarte, whose poor performances left United fans seething.
Dalot was caught napping in the 22nd minute as Charles Vernam ghosted in to fire the hosts ahead, easily beating Onana at his near post. The Portuguese defender, who looks increasingly uncomfortable in Amorim’s tactical setup, endured another miserable outing. He began the match on the right but was later shifted to the left flank after Patrick Dorgu’s withdrawal, offering little improvement in either role.
Ugarte, meanwhile, continues to struggle for rhythm since his £50.5m summer move from PSG. The Uruguayan midfielder was culpable in the build-up to Grimsby’s opener, cheaply conceding possession and then protesting for a foul as the Mariners capitalised. His lack of control and composure left United vulnerable in midfield throughout the contest.
Onana added to United’s woes just eight minutes later when he misjudged a cross, allowing Tyrell Warren to bundle in Grimsby’s second. Although the Cameroonian made contact with several penalties in the shootout, his inability to produce a decisive save summed up another night to forget.
Late Fightback Falls Short
United looked to have salvaged the tie when Bryan Mbeumo struck a smart finish in the 75th minute before Harry Maguire rose highest to nod in a dramatic equaliser on 89 minutes. But the shootout turned into chaos for Amorim’s new signings.
Matheus Cunha wasted a crucial spot-kick, and Mbeumo — who had already scored once in open play — rattled the crossbar with his second penalty. Grimsby held their nerve to send the Premier League giants crashing out in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Fans Furious With Underperformers
Unsurprisingly, the backlash was instant. Many supporters singled out Dalot and Ugarte alongside Onana as not being good enough to wear the United shirt.
“Leave Onana, Ugarte and Dalot in Grimsby. Let them walk home,” one fan fumed.
Another posted: “Dalot wouldn’t even start for this Grimsby team.”
A third added: “Ugarte is absolutely pathetic. We have better midfielders in the academy.”
The result leaves Amorim under pressure just three games into the season, with United still searching for their first win. The Red Devils now turn their attention to Saturday’s clash against Burnley at Old Trafford, but with growing unrest among the fanbase, the Portuguese coach faces a pivotal team selection — and patience is already wearing thin for Dalot and Ugarte.
