On Wednesday, 27 August 2025, Grimsby Town will welcome Manchester United to Blundell Park for a rare and thrilling Carabao Cup second-round tie. It’s their first competitive meeting since 1948, setting the stage for a modern-day David vs. Goliath showdown.
Team News & Tactical Outlook
Manchester United is expected to rotate heavily. Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui remain sidelined due to injury, while Ruben Amorim may hand a full debut to new signing Benjamin Šeško, and offer precious minutes to André Onana and Kobbie Mainoo. Lineup speculation centers on a 3–4–2–1 or 3–4–3 formation. A likely XI includes Onana in goal, a back three featuring Yoro, Maguire and Heaven, midfield staples like Mainoo and Ugarte, and an attack with Mount, Zirkzee, and Šeško.
Grimsby Town head into the game with no fresh injury concerns and all available players ready as they ride high on a six-match unbeaten run.
Form & Psychological Edge
The momentum lies with Grimsby. The League Two side is unbeaten in six, showing resilience and attacking flair through four wins and two draws. United, conversely, are seeking their first win of the season after drawing with Fulham and losing to Arsenal. Manager David Artell has been pragmatic, calling the cup draw a fantastic opportunity while reminding the squad not to lose focus on their league campaign.
Prediction & Stakes
Everything tilts toward a United win, predicting a convincing performance anchored by their individual quality, but they won’t walk in unchallenged. A typical forecast is around 0–4 in United’s favor. It’s also a chance for Reds’ fringe players to stake a claim for more minutes, while Grimsby chase a historic upset that could define their season.