Grimsby Set to Battle Manchester United: Team News, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Manchester United find themselves in the Carabao Cup second round for the first time since 2014, as the Red Devils face League Two outfit Grimsby Town on Wednesday evening.
Louis van Gaal was at the helm during United's memorable 4–0 loss to MK Dons at this stage of the tournament 11 years ago, and their cup journey begins early once more due to their exclusion from UEFA's European competitions this season.
The Red Devils concluded 15th in the Premier League last campaign, and failed to secure Champions League qualification after suffering a 1–0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Ruben Amorim has therefore attempted to revitalize his squad during the summer, but United have commenced 2025–26 having collected just one point from two league fixtures. Their 1–1 stalemate at Fulham generated additional concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of Amorim's tactical approach, given the apparent weaknesses.
United are meeting Grimsby for the first time since 1948 at Blundell Park, with the League Two club beginning the new campaign with six matches undefeated. The Mariners secured their return to the English Football League in 2022 and experienced a positive season last time around after narrowly escaping relegation in 2023–24.
A 3–1 triumph over Shrewsbury in the opening round arranged this prestigious encounter.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of Wednesday evening's Carabao Cup fixture.
What Time Does Grimsby vs. Man Utd Kick-Off?
Grimsby vs. Man Utd Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Grimsby | Man Utd |
|---|---|
Accrington Stanley 1–1 Grimsby - 23/08/25 | Fulham 1–1 Man Utd - 24/08/25 |
Walsall 0–1 Grimsby - 19/08/25 | Man Utd 0–1 Arsenal - 17/08/25 |
Grimsby 2–1 Newport County - 16/08/25 | Man Utd 1–1 Fiorentina - 09/08/25 |
Grimsby 3–1 Shrewsbury - 12/08/25 | Man Utd 2–2 Everton - 03/08/25 |
Harrogate 3–3 Grimsby - 09/08/25 | Man Utd 4–1 Bournemouth - 31/07/25 |
How to Watch Grimsby vs. Man Utd on TV
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video |
United Kingdom | ITVX, Sky Go UK, NOW, SKY GO Extra, STV Player, ITV 1 UK, STV Scotland, Sky Sports Football |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Grimsby Team News
The home side have George McEachran in their ranks after the midfielder departed Chelsea in 2022. Following a 15-month spell with Swindon Town, McEachran joined the Mariners prior to the 2024–25 season.
David Artell, who penned a deal during the summer, will be unable to select Jason Svanthorsson and Sam Lavelle due to fitness concerns.
Forward Jaze Kabia has made an impressive start after arriving from Truro City, and he's the player United must neutralize to prevent an upset on Wednesday evening.
Grimsby Predicted Lineup vs. Man Utd
Grimsby predicted lineup vs. Man Utd (4-5-1): Pym; Warren, Rodgers, McJannet, Staunton; Amaluzor, Turi, McEachran, Khouri, Burns; Kabia
Man Utd Team News
Amorim's squad selection on Wednesday evening will be intriguing, with the Man Utd manager anticipated to field fresh signings and youth prospects in his starting eleven. While Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo should receive breaks, striker Benjamin Šeško is set for his inaugural start for the club, having made two substitute appearances in the Premier League.
André Onana might also make his seasonal debut, while players like Tyler Fredricson and Ayden Heaven are expected to feature prominently in the domestic cup tournaments this term.
Fans will hope to see Kobbie Mainoo included amid speculation linking him with a departure, and the England international could form a partnership with Manuel Ugarte in Amorim's central midfield.
Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martínez remain sidelined through injury.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs. Grimsby
Man Utd predicted lineup vs. Grimsby (3-4-2-1): Onana; Fredricson, Maguire, Heaven; Amad, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Fernandes, Zirkzee; Šeško
Grimsby vs. Man Utd Score Prediction
It would be appropriate for Man Utd to fall short on Wednesday evening to add further frustration for Amorim following Sunday's disappointing stalemate.
Grimsby have begun the campaign in excellent fashion, and possess a track record of causing surprises in the 21st century. Most memorably, they shocked Liverpool at Anfield in 2001 and defeated Tottenham Hotspur in this tournament four years later.
Such outcomes for lower-league clubs are becoming progressively uncommon, however, and while any side can readily analyze this Man Utd team, the away side's enhanced talent should prevail at Blundell Park.