'I'm half fuming!' - Grimsby goalkeeper admits he is a Man Utd fan and slams Ruben Amorim's side for dismal performance in Carabao Cup defeat

For United, it was yet another humiliating setback under Ruben Amorim, as his expensively assembled side were bullied, out-thought, and ultimately embarrassed by a club operating three divisions below them. For the Mariners, it was the stuff of fairytales, a giant-killing written into cup folklore.

The script began to unravel early for United. In the 22nd minute, Charles Vernam ignited Blundell Park with a thumping low drive that fizzed past Andre Onana. United’s woes deepened before the half-time whistle when disaster struck again as another Onana blunder allowed Tyrell Warren to slot home and send the stadium into delirium. 

United clawed their way back into the game in the 75th minute through Bryan Mbeumo, and hope flickered when Harry Maguire rose highest in the 89th minute to thunder in an equaliser. However, in the shootout, Mbeumo, who had earlier revived his side, rattled the crossbar with his second attempt, leaving his teammates stunned.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Pym admitted to Sky Sports, still buzzing after the final whistle. “I’m a United fan, so I’m half-fuming, to be honest. But nights like this are exactly why you play football. Just brilliant.”

Reflecting on his own performance, he added: “I should’ve done a little bit better in the shootout, really. I made one save to keep us in it, and then the lads did the rest. It’s just brilliant.”

There will be no time for United to lick their wounds as they return to Premier League action on Saturday, hosting Burnley at Old Trafford.