Jonathan Hall
Jonathan Hall saw the 1-1 draw with Man United in 1948. Credit: ITV News
A Grimsby Town fan who watched his side play Manchester United the last time the two sides met in 1948 says he is "optimistic" about the Mariners' chances as they prepare to face each other again.
Jonathan Hall, 96, watched the clubs play out a 1-1 draw at Blundell Park in the old First Division 77 years ago.
Since then the two sides' fortunes have diverged, with United becoming one of the most decorated clubs in English football while Grimsby have faced perennial struggles.
But Mr Hall, a former psychiatrist, said he was "quite optimistic" about his team's chances ahead of their EFL Cup second round tie at Blundell Park on Wednesday night.
"Hopefully they'll extract a draw and I shall go home happy and delighted," he said.
About 9,000 fans are expected at Blundell Park. Credit: ITV News
United were managed by the legendary Matt Busby when they last visited Grimsby.
Mr Hall was among more than 12,000 supporters at the game that day.
Grimsby were relegated later that year and have not played the Red Devils since.
Wednesday's game, with a crowd of 9,000 expected, is arguably the club's biggest since 2005, when they beat Premier League Tottenham 1-0 in the same competition.
Mr Hall described Blundell Park as "a holy place for him".
"It's very evocative, the whole place as I enter it's almost like entering a church, the same effect," he said.
Grimsby go into the game fourth in League Two. United have had a mixed start to their season, with a draw and a defeat from their opening two games.
Town manager David Artell said: "Whatever the result, I want to see the players make this football club proud. That's the challenge and it's an exciting time to be involved in this football club. Now we get to test ourselves against the very best."
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