2025-26 Carabao Cup: Second Round – Grimsby vs Man Utd

Grimsby Town meet Manchester United in the concluding tie of the second round in 2025-26 Carabao Cup.

Victory will see Grimsby reach the third round for the first time since 2019-20 season, whilst Man Utd look to avoid a suffering a first second-round exit since 2014-15 season.

 

Team News

Grimsby could be without Kieran Green, Doug Tharme and Jamie Walker after the trio were absent for

Man Utd will again be without Rasmus Hojlund after he missed their opening two matches of the season as he nears a move to Napoli.

Noussair Mazraoui (thigh) and Lisandro Martinez (knee) remain sidelined.

 

When is Kick-Off?

Grimsby host Man Utd at Blundell Park on Wednesday 27 August at 8pm BST, live on ITV1 and Sky Sports in the UK.

 

Stat Attack

• This is Grimsby’s first Carabao Cup meeting against Man Utd.
• Man Utd are making their first Carabao Cup visit to Grimsby, but the Red Devils lost their only previous cup visit by a 1-0 result in the FA Cup in January 1931.
• Grimsby have won just one of their last five meetings against top-flight clubs in this competition (W1, L4), which came in a 1-0 home win over Tottenham at this stage in 2005-06 edition.
• Since byes to the third round for teams qualified for UEFA competitions were introduced in the md 90s, Man Utd lost their only previous second-round appearance within this competition (L1) – 4-0 away at MK Dons in August 2014.

 

Prediction

Still unbeaten in all competitions this season, Grimsby can come into this game full of confidence given their attacking form but with two clean sheets in six games, they will need to be at their defensive best if want to stun Man Utd.

Utd boss, Ruben Amorim however will make changes to his starting line-up but after two pretty wasteful displays so far, this rare second-round appearance could be the spark that they need to find that first win of the campaign if can produce a more composed and clinical display.

As much as many might want Grimsby to spring a cupset, I just can’t see Utd losing this and have a feeling that this will be their breakthrough win to kick-start their season.

Prediction: Grimsby 0-3 Manchester United

Result: Grimsby 2-2 Manchester United (Grimsby win 12-11 on penalties)