Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim will be desperate for his side to avoid a major cup upset after an unconvincing start to the season.
The Portuguese is already coming under increasing pressure after failing to win either of United’s opening two Premier League games – a 1-0 defeat at home to Arsenal and Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham.
A trip to Blundell Park to face League Two high-fliers Grimsby in the second round of the EFL Cup has the potential to provide another major headache.
The Mariners are fourth in their division having won three and drawn two of their opening five games and now have a wonderful chance to take United’s scalp in the clubs’ first meeting since 1948.
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Grimsby team vs Man United
Centre-back Sam Lavelle and midfielder Jason Svanthorsson miss out for the hosts through injury.
Grimsby starting XI: Pym, Sweeney, McJannet, Warren, Rodgers, McEachran, Green, Khouri, Vernam, Burns, Gardner.
Grimsby substitutes: Anton, Staunton, Amaluzor, Brown, Soonsup-Bell, Kabia, Turi, Oduor, Rose
Man United team vs Grimsby
United make wholesale changes with several players in desperate need of game time, Benjamin Sesko making his first start with the likes of defenders Harry Maguire, Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson and midfielder Kobbie Mainoo featuring.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana starts for the first time this season but wideman Noussair Mazraoui is injured, while Rasmus Hojliund is unlikely to play as the forward closes in on a move to Napoli.
Manchester United starting XI: Onana, Fredricson, Maguire, Heaven, Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dorgu, Amad, Cunha, Sesko
Man United substitutes: Bayindir, Heaton, De Ligt, Leon, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount, Mbeumo, Zirkzee
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How to watch Grimsby v Man United: TV and online streams
Grimsby versus Manchester United kicks off at 20:00 BST (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT) on Wednesday.
In the UK, the game will be broadcast simultaneously on ITV 1, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Ultra and can be streamed via both channels’ respective platforms – ITVX and Sky Go.
EFL Cup second round fixtures, results 2025/26
All matches start at 19:45 BST unless stated otherwise.
Wednesday, August 27
Everton vs Mansfield Town
Grimsby Town vs Manchester United (20:00)
Fulham vs Bristol City
Oxford United vs Brighton & Hove Albion
Tuesday, August 26
Burton Albion 0-1 Lincoln City
Accrington Stanley 0-2 Doncaster Rovers
Wigan Athletic 1-0 Stockport County
Stoke City 0-3 Bradford City
Burnley 2-1 Derby County
Sunderland 1-1 (5-6p) Huddersfield Town
Birmingham City 0-1 Port Vale
Preston North End 2-3 Wrexham
Barnsley 2-1 Rotherham United
Sheffield Wednesday 1-1 (3-0p) Leeds United
Reading 2-1 Wimbledon
Cambridge United 3-1 Charlton Athletic
Wolves 3-2 West Ham
Norwich City 0-3 Southampton
Bournemouth 0-2 Brentford
Millwall 2-1 Coventry City
Swansea City 1-1 (5-3p) Plymouth Argyle
Bromley 1-1 (4-5p) Wycombe Wanderers
Cardiff City 3-0 Cheltenham Town
When is the EFL Cup third round 2025/26?
The third round fixtures will take place across the weeks of September 15 and 22.
What time is the EFL Cup third round draw?
The draw will take place during Sky Sports’ build-up coverage to Grimsby against United, which starts at 19:00 BST (14:00 ET / 11:00 PT).
