All the other teams in the Premier League's top six were rested during the week due to their placings last season (Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal), while Tottenham are preparing to play in the UEFA Europa League. Without having secured any European places and having finished last season close to the relegation zone, Manchester United had to start the Carabao Cup from Round 2.
Despite the indigestible situation, the fact that Ruben Amorim fielded most of his key players against lowly Grimsby Town meant that the Red Devils would have little trouble confirming their favoritism, but Manchester United's next embarrassment always seems to be the next one.
With a surprisingly aggressive attitude from the first minute, the League Two side put the Red Devils under pressure and deservedly opened the scoring in the 21st minute, with Charles Vernam fortunate enough to hit a firm shot past Onana after Burns received the ball with ample space on the right and crossed.
Shortly afterwards, Vernam combined a short corner on the left and crossed with great class into the penalty area, with the incompetent and fragile goalkeeper Onana helping to see the ball reach Warren. The former Red Devils youth player scored the second goal and Ruben Amorim's side were stunned for the rest of the first half, without creating any real chances.
As expected, the Red Devils came out on top in the second half looking for spaces to score, but Grimbsy managed to present a very consistent defensive system. Ruben Amorim's side almost scored a third goal through Gardner, but managed to cut the deficit thanks to Mainoo's speed through midfield, setting up Mbuembo, who had his shot deflected wide.
The pressure was relentless in the final minutes and Manchester United went in search of an equalizer against a team from three divisions below thanks to Harry Maguire. The hero of the unpredictable moments popped up at the far post after a corner kick and scored the equalizer, setting the stage for a heroic script for the Red Devils.
Manchester United show they're in for another long long season
In the penalty shootout, Manchester United had the chance to seal the contest with Matheus Cunha, their main signing for the current season. However, the Brazilian hit the ball poorly and was saved by Pym, prolonging the penalty shootout. All the players on the pitch and the goalkeepers took the spot-kicks, but on the 13th spot-kick, Mbuembo hit the crossbar and sparked a sense of pride for Grimbsy Town.