Man United will be going in search of their first win of the season when they face Grimsby Town on Wednesday night, and here are five pre-match talking points.
George is a Senior Football Writer for the Manchester Evening News, mostly covering Manchester United. He previously worked for football.london before joining the MEN team in July 2021. As well as covering United, George is a Championship-enthusiast and co-hosts The Championship Chat Podcast (@Champchatpod24), which you can find on all major podcast platforms.
Manchester United's players train at Carrington.
Diego Leon (centre) will be hoping to start against Grimsby Town.
(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images.)
Manchester United will be eyeing their first win of the campaign when they lock horns with Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup at Blundell Park tonight.
Facing the Mariners for the first time since 1948, United will be hoping to avoid a cup upset and successfully navigate their way through to the third round.
As a result of failing to qualify for any of Uefa's three European club competitions this season, the Reds are entering the Carabao Cup at the second round stage for the first time since 2014.
Ahead of tonight's second round clash, here are five pre-match talking points:
Onana to return?
After being left out of the squad for the Premier League opener against Arsenal and watching Sunday's 1-1 draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage from the bench, Andre Onana will be eyeing a recall to the starting line-up this evening.
The goalkeeper, who was linked with a move to AS Monaco earlier this summer, has not played for United since May 28 after missing the whole of the club's pre-season campaign because of a hamstring injury.
He reported back for the start of pre-season under the impression he would remain head coach Ruben Amorim's No.1, but he has so far been overlooked by Altay Bayindir this season.
No doubt keen to win his place back in Amorim's strongest XI, Onana will be determined to make the most of his opportunity if he is given one at Blundell Park.
Leon to make his bow?
After making three appearances in pre-season, summer signing Diego Leon will be eyeing his competitive debut for United this evening. The wing-back arrived from Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno at the start of July and indications over the summer have suggested he will be considered as a first-team player.
Diego Leon in action for Manchester United against Bournemouth in pre-season.
Diego Leon featured on the pre-season tour of the United States.(Image: Michael Reaves - Premier League/Getty Images for Premier League.)
However, after failing to make it into the matchday squad for United's opening two Premier League games this season, he will be eyeing his first appearance for the club against David Artell's side.
United boss Amorim has promised changes, meaning there is a high probability Patrick Dorgu will be extracted from the starting line-up, leaving a window of opportunity for Leon to start at left wing-back.
Of the four signings United have made so far this summer, he is the only one still waiting to make his debut.
MK Dons reminder
For the first time in 11 years, United are entering the League Cup at the second round stage as a result of missing out on European qualification for this season. Clubs who participate in Europe do not enter the competition until the third round.
Back in 2014/15, United entered the League Cup in the second round and crashed out of the competition on the same evening, being embarrassed by MK Dons, losing 4-0 at Stadium MK after a brace apiece from Will Grigg and Benik Afobe.
Louis van Gaal was in charge of United back then, of course, and his starting XI that evening featured a blend of both youth and experience, including the likes of David de Gea, Jonny Evans, Reece James, Saidy Janko and Danny Welbeck.
Benik Afobe strikes to score for MK Dons against Manchester United.
Manchester United were embarrassed by MK Dons back in 2014.
Although Amorim is poised to ring the changes tonight, the starting line-up should have a very solid and strong look about itself, meaning any repeat of what happened against the Dons ought to be avoided.
Sesko to be unleashed?
After making each of his first two United appearances via the bench, summer signing Benjamin Sesko will be itching to make his first start as soon as possible.
The former RB Leipzig man came off the bench against both Arsenal and Fulham, but struggled to have any sort of impact, meaning the opportunity to bag his first start against lesser opposition could be just what he needs.
A point will come when Amorim needs to unleash him from the start in the Premier League amid his decision to start each of United's opening two league games without a recognised striker on the pitch, meaning there is no time like the present to give the Slovenian his first meaningful audition.
Hojlund watch
Having been omitted from the matchday squad for the clashes with Arsenal and Fulham, it will be interesting to see if Rasmus Hojlund is involved in any capacity this evening. He is expected to leave Old Trafford ahead of the transfer window closing next Monday, but Amorim has not dismissed the prospect of him featuring against Grimsby.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, the United boss said: "All the players are available. Then we will make the choice to get the best starting XI to win every game."
Continuing to be heavily linked with Napoli, United might not risk including Hojlund in tonight's squad to avoid the possibility of him encountering an injury and that scuppers their chances of offloading him.