The 5 biggest upsets in Carabao Cup history
Grimsby Town's stunning penalty shootout defeat of Manchester United in Round Two wasn't the first time a minnow has stunned a giant in the Carabao Cup. On the eve of Round Three, here are the biggest upsets in competition history (and the Red Devils feature again).
5. Liverpool 2–2 Northampton Town (2–4 pens) – 2010/11 Round 3
Yet another giant killing as League Two Northampton Town defeated Liverpool at Anfield on penalties.
After the tie finished 1-1 in 90 minutes, extra-time loomed, but a strike from the Cobblers, courtesy of Michael Jacob, gave the visitor a shock lead.
David Ngog's late header set up a shootout, and it was Northampton which held its nerve from 12 yards with Abdul Osman keeping his cool to score the decisive kick after a string of Liverpool misses.
The Reds struggled with the conditions and pressure on a rainy night at Anfield, but they triumphed in the competition just a year later, this time getting the better of Cardiff City in a penalty shootout at Wembley to lift the Cup.
4. Bradford City 1–1 Arsenal (3–2 pens) – 2012/13 Quarter-Final
Bradford City saw off several Premier League sides en route to a historic Wembley appearance in 2013, but its victory over Arsenal was the biggest shock.
Despite the Gunners fielding a strong side, Garry Thompson’s first-half goal gave the Bantams hope before Thomas Vermaelen forced extra time.
Bradford City held its nerve in the shootout to win 3–2, setting up a fairytale run to the Final - the first by a fourth-tier club since 1962.
The Bantams went on to defeat Aston Villa 3-4 on aggregate in the Semi-Final before eventually falling to Swansea City under the arch.
3. MK Dons 4–0 Manchester United – 2014/15 Round 2
The Grimsby shocker wasn't the first time lower league opposition has knocked out Manchester United early on.
In 2014, the new Red Devils boss Louis van Gaal suffered a huge 4-0 defeat to League One side MK Dons, which produced a sensational performance against a United team of seasoned internationals.
Will Grigg and Benik Afobe both struck twice for the host, with former Tottenham Hotspur and England midfielder Dele Ali grabbing the headlines for a breakout performance at his boyhood club.
The result remains one of the most striking score lines in Carabao Cup history.
2. QPR 3–2 West Bromwich Albion – 1967 Final
In the first-ever single-game League Cup Final at Wembley, third division QPR lifted the Cup against all the odds, defeating top-tier side West Bromwich Albion.
The West London outfit overturned a 0-2 half-time deficit to claim a 3-2 victory that remains one of the competition's most iconic giant-slayings.
Mark Lazarus scored the winning goal in what remains the Club's only major trophy triumph in their 143-year history.
In 2025/26, QPR was one of the clubs to debut a brand new Carabao Cup sleeve badge, which included the number 1, to commemorate its competition victory in 1967.
1. Manchester United 0–3 York City (Aggregate 3–4) – 1995/96 Round 2
Despite enjoying huge success in his time as manager of Manchester United, even Sir Alex Ferguson suffered shock defeats.
The biggest of which arguably came in 1995, as United was knocked out by third-tier side York City.
Paul Barnes, father of Newcastle United winger Harvey, scored twice for York, with Tony Barras heading home a third to seal the incredible victory.
United would score three of its own goals in the second leg after fielding a full-strength team, but a strike from Scott Jordan for the host meant York claimed a place in Round Three.
