Manchester United are in Blundell Park to face Grimsby Town in the second round of the EFL Cup. Softfootball understands that the encounter will be United’s first in the competition since 2014, with their absence owed to a lack of European football this season.
Head coach Ruben Amorim is expected to rotate heavily, making eight changes from Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham. Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo and new signing Benjamin Sesko are among those included in the starting XI, as Amorim balances fitness and squad depth in the early stages of the campaign.
Updates are also anticipated on Noussair Mazraoui, who missed the weekend’s game, and Lisandro Martinez, still working his way back from a knee injury. Amorim is scheduled to address the media at 13:30 BST on Tuesday.
Manchester United’s starting XI uploaded on the club’s official X handle:
The Mariners’ official starting XI posted on their official X handle:
For the Mariners, it will be a historic night. The fixture marks the club’s first meeting with United since 1948, ending a 77-year wait, and their first sell-out crowd of the season, with ticket demand so high that their website briefly crashed following the draw.
Grimsby, under David Artell, head into the clash in fine form, sitting fourth in League Two and unbeaten across all competitions. Their run includes a 3-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town in the first round, with goals from Justin Amaluzor, Cameron Gardner and Jaze Kabia, the latter also finding the net in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley.
With the third-round draw partially delayed due to European scheduling conflicts, both clubs will know that a valuable place in the next round is on the line. United will enter as strong favourites, but Grimsby’s momentum and home backing ensure that this midweek tie could prove a stern test.
