Grimsby Town goalkeeper Christy Pym admitted he was ‘half fuming’ after knocking out the team he supports – as Manchester United crashed to a penalty shootout defeat at Blundell Park.
The 30-year-old United fan was one of the heroes as the League Two side stunned Ruben Amorim’s £400million team 12-11 on penalties to record one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s history.
‘Yeah, it hasn’t really sunk in yet,’ Pym told Sky Sports. ‘I’m a United fan myself so I’m half fuming a little bit. But nights like this are what you play football for, so yeah, beautiful.’
United had been two goals down inside half an hour after Andre Onana was at fault for both strikes. Charles Vernam beat him at his near post for the first before the keeper flapped at a cross, allowing Tyrell Warren to double the lead.
Amorim sent on reinforcements at half time and his side eventually dragged themselves level. Bryan Mbeumo scored his first goal since a £71m move from Brentford before Harry Maguire headed in an 89th minute equaliser.
The tie went to penalties and Pym produced a decisive moment. With the shootout locked at 4-4, he guessed correctly to deny Matheus Cunha, United’s £55m summer signing, when scoring would have sent Amorim’s side through.
Christy Pym was one of the heroes as the League Two side stunned Ruben Amorim ‘s £400million team
h 30-year-old produced a decisive moment in the shootout, gessing correctly to deny Matheus Cunha
Defeat represents United’s most humiliating cup exit since their 4-0 thrashing at MK Dons in 2014
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‘I should have done a little bit better, shouldn’t I?’ Pym added. ‘Yesterday me and the goalkeeping coach Steve sat down for a good hour going through penalties, just in case.
‘It kept changing, it was a bit frustrating, but I saved one, kept us in it, and then the boys did the rest. They were brilliant.’
The contest continued deep into sudden death, with even both keepers converting their kicks, until Mbeumo struck the underside of the bar with the 26th attempt to confirm Grimsby’s passage.
It was the first time United had ever lost to fourth tier opposition in the League Cup and came at the end of a night when their manager refused to watch the shootout, crouching in his dugout as the drama unfolded.
The defeat piles more pressure on Amorim after a winless start to the Premier League season and represents arguably United’s most humiliating cup exit since their 4-0 thrashing at MK Dons in 2014.
For Grimsby, meanwhile, it was a famous night that will live long in the memory, and for Pym, one to savour.
