Manchester United will be looking to secure their first victory of the season when they travel to face League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
The Red Devils come into this tie off the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Fulham, where Ruben Amorim’s side once again struggled to put away chances and allowed points to slip late on.
After beginning the Premier League campaign winless in their opening two games, this cup fixture could prove to be an ideal opportunity for United to build confidence and momentum ahead of a crucial league clash with Burnley at Old Trafford this weekend.
For Amorim, this match is about more than progression in the Carabao Cup. It represents a chance to calm early doubts, to rotate his squad, and to inject belief into a side that has yet to find rhythm under his guidance.
Manchester United have a proud history in this competition, with Erik ten Hag delivering the trophy in 2023 during his debut season. Amorim will no doubt be hoping to follow a similar path, using the competition to establish a winning culture within the dressing room.
Rotation and Opportunity for Fringe Players
The tie is expected to allow Amorim to freshen up his squad with some much-needed rotation. New signings and fringe players who have been on the periphery of Premier League action could be handed valuable minutes.
Goalkeeper André Onana, who has not yet featured this season, is in line to make his first competitive appearance. Likewise, young striker Benjamin Šeško could be handed his first start in United colours.
The 21-year-old Slovenian forward arrived in the summer with huge expectations, carrying an €85 million price tag and a reputation as one of Europe’s brightest striking talents.
For Šeško, this fixture offers the perfect platform to make his mark, settle any early nerves, and hopefully get off the mark with his first goal for the club. An away trip in the Carabao Cup can often be trickier than expected, but Šeško’s movement and finishing ability should give him confidence to shine against lower-league opposition.
Alongside him, academy products and squad players will also be eager to impress. Joshua Zirkzee is expected to feature and could register his first competitive start of the season.
Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, who has been waiting patiently for minutes after being overlooked in the opening Premier League fixtures, may also finally get a chance to showcase his talent. Many supporters are keen to see how the youngster adapts when given responsibility in midfield, and this tie could provide the perfect stage.
Injury Concerns Continue
Manchester United will again be without key defenders. Lisandro Martínez, sidelined since February with a knee injury, remains unavailable. Full-back Noussair Mazraoui is also still recovering from a setback that has kept him out since the final day of last season.
Their absence continues to cause problems for Amorim, who has been forced to reshuffle his defensive line in the opening weeks of the season. Against Grimsby, however, the manager may choose to experiment, handing valuable game time to younger defenders and fringe options as he searches for reliable depth across the back line.
More Than Just a Result
While supporters will demand victory against Grimsby, Amorim will be aware that this match is not just about the result — it is about the performance. United’s fanbase has grown frustrated with sluggish starts in recent seasons, and an emphatic, confident display could go a long way in lifting the mood around Old Trafford.
Players like Šeško, Zirkzee, and Mason Mount — who is still searching for his first impactful performance since joining from Chelsea — could use this tie to find form.
The Carabao Cup has historically served as a springboard for United’s campaigns. Ten Hag’s success in 2023 restored silverware to the club and laid the groundwork for stronger performances later that season.
Amorim will hope that a commanding victory at Grimsby has a similar effect — setting the tone for a more consistent run in both domestic and European competitions.
A Chance to Kickstart the Season
In many ways, this fixture is perfectly timed. United are under pressure to win, but not against elite opposition. The match provides Amorim with a controlled environment to test his ideas, assess his new signings, and hopefully instill confidence in a squad that has looked hesitant so far.
For Grimsby, the occasion represents a historic opportunity — a home tie against one of the biggest clubs in world football. Their supporters will relish the chance to witness a famous upset, and Amorim’s men must approach the game with focus and professionalism to avoid any embarrassment.
Ultimately, Manchester United will want more than just progression to the next round. They will want a performance that sparks belief, goals that boost confidence, and a result that shifts the narrative around their slow start. A strong display against Grimsby could be the spark that Amorim’s side desperately needs as they look to find their rhythm this season.