Another focus match was staged in the second round of the 2025/26 English League Cup. The Premier League giants Manchester United, who were playing away, equalized the score with goals from Mbeni and Maguire in regular time, but lost to Grimsby Town of League Two 11-12 in the subsequent penalty shootout and were eliminated.

Six minutes into the match, Manchester United organized an attack. Patrick Dogu passed the ball to Sheshko, who shot from near the top of the penalty area, but his shot was blocked by the opponent. In the 11th minute, Grimsby Town defender Tyrrell Warren headed the ball from the penalty area, but the ball was confiscated by Manchester United goalkeeper Onana.

In the 15th minute, Grimsby Town took a direct shot from a corner kick, but Manchester United goalkeeper Onana immediately blocked the ball. In the 22nd minute, after Manchester United lost the ball, Grimsby Town immediately launched an attack. Darragh Burns made a lob pass into the penalty area, and Charles Vernan stopped the ball and shot it in, helping Grimsby Town take the lead 1-0.

In the 28th minute, Grimsby Town scored again, but the goal was ruled out due to a previous foul. In the 30th minute, Grimsby Town got a corner kick opportunity. Manchester United's goalkeeper made a mistake when he attacked. Tyrrell Warren received the pass from Charles Vernan in the melee and pushed the ball into the empty goal, helping Grimsby Town continue to lead Manchester United 2-0.

In the 40th minute, Diallo's hook shot from the penalty area was intercepted by Grimsby Town goalkeeper Pim. Then, Manchester United made another pass and Sheshko headed the ball, but the ball was again caught by Pim.

At the start of the second half, Manchester United replaced Patrick Dogu, Frederiksen and Ugarte with Mbemo, Bruno Fernandes and De Ligt respectively. In the 51st minute, Cunha made a cross from the right, Sheshko fell to the ground and shot, but was blocked by Grimsby Town goalkeeper Pim. Diallo then shot wide.

In the 56th minute, Mbomo took a free kick, Aiden Haven headed it past the post. In the 63rd minute, Bruno Fernandes dribbled the ball outside the penalty area and shot from distance, but Grimsby Town goalkeeper Pim immediately dived to save it. In the 75th minute, Kobe Menou passed the ball to Mbomo, who then drove into the penalty area and shot into the net, helping Manchester United to a 1-2 draw.

In the 89th minute, Mount took a corner kick and Maguire headed the ball into the goal, helping Manchester United equalize the score at 2-2.

With the game tied in regular time, the match went to penalties. Bruno Fernandes, Mbomo, Mount, and Dalot scored in the shootout, while Cunha missed his fifth penalty. In the final round, Mbomo's penalty hit the post.

In the end, Manchester United lost to Grimsby Town 11-12 in the penalty shootout and failed to advance to the next round.