These two clubs have met 37 times previously, but their most-recent encounter came in March 1948. That caveat aside, Manchester United have actually failed to win any of their last nine visits to Blundell Park, dating back to 1905, but not being victorious this time is simply unfathomable.
Grimsby vs Manchester United preview
Manchester United are yet to win this season, but surely that fact will change in Cleethorpes on Wednesday night, right? On Sunday, Rúben Amorim's team were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage, taking the lead on the hour mark when Leny Yoro provoking an own goal, but conceding an equaliser not long after. So, having lost to Arsenal on the opening weekend, Amorim has now won just seven of 29 Premier League matches since taking over in November.
Things don't get much easier for the Red Devils either; after welcoming Burnley to Old Trafford on Saturday, their next two fixtures are Manchester City (A) and then Chelsea (H). Meanwhile, with no European competition to contend with, Man United have to prioritise the domestic cups. Despite their seemingly interminable decline, the Red Devils have featured in four major cup finals in the last five seasons, capturing the Carabao Cup for the sixth time in February 2023, so will this be the start of another run to Wembley, or could they suffer a catastrophic early exit in North East Lincolnshire?
As for Grimsby Town, one of only five EFL League Two clubs who remain in the competition, what an opportunity this is for them to be in the spotlight. The Mariners beat Shrewsbury 3-1 in round one, and have been handed this dream tie as a reward. Well, David Artell's team will come into it brimming with confidence, still yet to taste defeat this season.
On Saturday, Grimsby held Accrington Stanley to a 1-1 draw, Jaze Kabia both scoring and missing a penalty at the Crown Ground, a result that leaves them fourth in League Two, winning thrice and drawn twice to date. The Mariners finished ninth last season, so are aiming to get back into the third-tier for the first time since they suffered successive relegations in 2004. For one night only, the eyes of the football world will be fixated on Blundell Park. Back in October 2001, Grimsby knocked out Liverpool at Anfield in their most famous League Cup victory, but a win here might just surpass that, as they aim to add to Manchester United's misery.
Grimsby town vs Manchester United head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 37.
- Grimsby Town Wins: 15. Draws: 6. Manchester United Wins: 16.
Manchester United team news
Rúben Amorim's team selection is going to be very interesting; how many changes will he make? First and foremost, in goal, Altay Bayındır has started both fixtures so far, but André Onana was back on the bench on Sunday, so will he be restored, with the club chasing Senne Lammens from Antwerp?
At the other end of the pitch, Benjamin Šeško has come off the bench in both matches, set to start this time, surely viewing this as a golden opportunity to get off the mark. Should Amorim rotate, Harry Maguire, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee will be amongst those hoping to come in. Lastly, Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui remain sidelined.
Manchester United predicted lineup vs Grimsby Town: (3-4-3): Onana; Fredricson, Heaven, Maguire; Amad, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu; Mount, Zirkzee, Šeško.
Manchester United player to watch vs Grimsby
We've already mentioned him, but the spotlight will continue to be on Benjamin Šeško, having arrived for £73.7 million, so will Blundell Park be where he scores his first Man United goal?
Grimsby vs Manchester United prediction
We cannot see beyond a resounding Manchester United victory in Cleethorpes, likely to swat Grimsby Town aside, as funny as a home win would be: Grimsby Town 0-4 Manchester United.
Grimsby vs Manchester United FAQs - Carabao Cup
How to watch Grimsby Town vs Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on TV channel?
Grimsby Town vs Manchester United in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: ITV1, Sky Sports Main Event & Football.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
How to watch Grimsby Town vs Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on live streaming?
Grimsby Town vs Manchester United in the Carabao Cup will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: ITVX, SkyGo & NOW TV.
- USA: Paramount+
- Canada: DAZN Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Grimsby Town vs Manchester United in the Carabao Cup?
Grimsby Town vs Manchester United takes place on Wednesday 27 August 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (BST), 15:00 (EDT) & 12:00 (PDT).