Manchester United knocked out of League Cup after Grimsby penalty shootout
Manchester United knocked out of League Cup after Grimsby penalty shootout
Manchester United suffered fresh humiliation as fourth-tier Grimsby Town beat them 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw in the English League Cup.
Goals from Charles Vernam and former United youth player Tyrell Warren gave Grimsby a deserved two-goal lead at halftime in Wednesday’s second-round clash at Blundell Park.
United struggled in torrential rain but found a lifeline when Bryan Mbeumo scored his first goal for the club to reduce the deficit in the second half.
Grimsby defended bravely but Harry Maguire’s 89th-minute header levelled the tie and forced a dramatic penalty shootout.
The shootout lasted 18 minutes, with Matheus Cunha missing the chance to win it before Mbeumo hit the bar to send Grimsby fans into celebration.
United manager Ruben Amorim watched the shootout from the dugout. The Portuguese faces growing pressure after another disappointing result.
“I know the best team won. The only team that was on the pitch. The best players lose,” Amorim told reporters in a cryptic post-match comment.
“There’s nothing more to say. The team spoke loud today. We lost. The best team won,” he added.
Other Premier League sides had no such issues, as Brighton thrashed Oxford United 6-0, Everton beat Mansfield Town 2-0, and Fulham edged Bristol City 2-0.
Having taken just one point from two league games, United were hoping to spark their season to life. Instead, they suffered a new low.
Since taking charge, Amorim has earned 28 points from 29 Premier League matches – United’s worst start since 1974.
He was backed in the transfer window with big-money signings but has failed to halt the club’s downward spiral.
Amorim handed a first start to £73 million signing Benjamin Sesko, recalled goalkeeper Andre Onana, and included Kobbie Mainoo for his season debut.
United were poor in the first half and fell behind in the 22nd minute when Vernam beat Onana at his near post after a well-worked move.
Grimsby doubled their lead eight minutes later as Onana failed to claim a cross and Warren tapped in from close range.
After the break, Amorim introduced Bruno Fernandes and Mbeumo, but United were fortunate not to trail 3-0 as Grimsby had a goal ruled out.
Mbeumo offered a spark with a calm finish, and Maguire’s header in the closing moments appeared to have spared United’s blushes.
Sesko nearly won it in stoppage time during a goalmouth scramble, but Grimsby held on to force the penalty decider.
Onana made a crucial save in the shootout, but Cunha’s poor effort was stopped, keeping the hosts alive.
Fifteen consecutive penalties were then converted before Mbeumo struck the crossbar, ending United’s campaign and igniting wild celebrations.
“We started with no intensity, no pressure, no ideas. We were completely lost,” Amorim admitted after the game. “It’s hard to explain.” (Reuters/NAN)
News
Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence
Governor mourns as unknown persons kill Woman and six Children in her residence
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has expressed deep sorrow, over the brutal killing of a woman, Fatima Abubakar, 35, and her six children in Dorayi Chiranchi Quarters of the state.
The governor described the incident as barbaric, senseless, and a grave assault on human dignity.
In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mr Sunusi Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday, Gov. Yusuf extended his condolences to the bereaved’s family, the people of Dorayi Chiranchi, and the entire Kano State.
He prayed that Allah grants the departed souls, eternal rest and gives their loved ones the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
Meanwhile, the governor vowed that his administration would ensure that perpetrators of the tragic incident, are brought to justice.
He directed the Kano State Police Command to immediately hunt down the perpetrators and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted.
According to the statement, Gov. Yusuf also ordered the Kano Neighborhood Corps, to intensify patrols and community surveillance across vulnerable areas, to prevent a recurrence of such tragedy.
He called on residents to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies, and promptly report suspicious activities, while assuring that the government remains committed to protecting lives and property.( NAN)
News
‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory
‘This bronze feels like gold’, President Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ AFCON third place victory
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles for winning the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Tinubu described the achievement as a “bronze that feels like gold,” praising the team’s resilience and fighting spirit.
“This bronze medal surely feels good like gold. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles and our national team players,” the President said.
This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday in Abuja.
The Super Eagles defeated Egypt, seven-time AFCON champions, via penalties after regulation time ended in a draw.
Tinubu commended the team for overcoming the disappointment of their semi-final loss to host nation, Morocco, on Wednesday.
He said the players demonstrated determination, persistence and the can-do spirit for which Nigeria is known.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off,” Tinubu said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the bronze medal is Nigeria’s ninth in AFCON history.
Nigeria has now won the AFCON title three times, finished runners-up four times and claimed third place on record nine occasions.
Tinubu said Nigerians would be proud as the team receives their bronze medals on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal on Sunday in Rabat, Morocco,” he said. (NAN)
News
Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
Governor, Emir, over 3 million crowd gather for Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud
An estimated 3 million followers of Tijaniyya Islamic Sect from within and outside the country, on Saturday, converged on Katsina for the celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ Maulud, 2026.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event which took place at Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina, was organised by the “Majma’u Ahbab Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass”.
The Chairman, organising committee, Sheikh Muhammad Hadi-Balarabe, said that they anticipated about 4 million guests from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as well as West and North African countries.
NAN gathered that almost all hotel rooms in Katsina metropolis were occupied by those who came from far places, the situation made some residents to provide their unoccupied houses for their visitors as a demonstration of hospitality.
Those who could not afford to lodge in hotel rooms slept in the stadium in spite of the cold weather.
Before 9a.m. of Saturday, the stadium had already filled to capacity, both the seats and pitch were occupied by people, while all available surrounding spaces inside the stadium were later occupied by people.
The dual carriage road linking to the venue from the WTC roundabout up to Barhin roundabout was filled up by people.
NAN also observed that the event presented opportunities for traders, especially those selling food, water, soft drinks, herbal medicine, clothing materials, books, among others to make brisk businesses.
Addressing the gathering, Sheikh Ibrahim Dahiru-Bauchi, thanked the Katsina State Government for hosting the historic event and prayed Allah to bring lasting peace, stability and prosperity to the state, Northern Nigeria and the country in general.
In his remarks, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, urged Muslims to continue to stand firm in obeying the commandments of their creator.
He advised them to intensify efforts in seeking Allah’s forgiveness, follow the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), endeavour to seek for knowledge, and engage in business activities to become self reliant.
Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina, thanked the organisers for choosing his state to host the 2026 Maulud.
He appreciated the scholars for offerings prayers for peace and stability in the state and the country at large.
Radda revealed that with such prayers, peace was gradually returning to the state and urged them to sustain the prayers for the overall betterment of the state and Nigeria.
Sheikh Ibrahim Nyass’ eldest son, Sheikh Mahi Ibrahim-Nyass, represented by his younger brother, Sheikh Muhammad Ibrahim-Nyass, prayed Allah to repose the soul of the revered Islamic scholar, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, who passed away some months ago.
He urged the Muslims across the globe to continue to be united, love one-another and uphold the sect firmly.
A special prayer was also offered for Katsina, Nigeria and the leaders. (NAN)
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