With no European football on offer for United this season, it means an earlier-than-usual start to domestic cup action for Ruben Amorim & Co.
Back in 2014, Louis van Gaal’s United were stunned 4-0 by MK Dons at this stage of the competition. Amorim is waiting for his first win of the season, after two Premier League games played, and a similar showing would be disastrous.
Grimsby have started their League Two campaign well, winning three and drawing two of their first five games, so welcome United to town with some momentum behind them.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Grimsby Town vs Manchester United is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
The match will take place at Blundell Park.
Where to watch Grimsby vs Manchester United
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Grimsby vs Manchester United team news
Ruben Amorim will surely make changes, but it is unlikely to be an entirely different line-up to the one that started the 1-1 draw at Fulham on Sunday.
Altay Bayindir is expected to leave the club before the transfer deadline, so he could come out in place of the returning Andre Onana, while Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven could make up a new back line.
There should be minutes of Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee or youngster Chido Obi, though new striker Benjamin Sesko is set to start a game since joining from RB Leipzig. Captain Bruno Fernandes should be given a rare rest, but the likes of Mason Mount, Casemiro and even Leny Yoro could all keep their place.
Grimsby vs Manchester United prediction
This Man Utd team is not made of strong stuff. Far from it. An early goal for the hosts could really panic their highly-paid counterparts. It’s unlikely – just look at the match odds – but nothing is certain when it comes to his iteration of Man Utd.
However, despite all of Man Utd’s shortcomings over the past couple of years, a defeat to League Two opposition is surely still unfathomable. Whatever side Ruben Amorim picks will be stronger, on paper, than anything Grimsby have on offer.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
These two teams have not faced each other in 77 years.
Their previous meeting was a 1-1 draw in the old English Division One way back in 1948.
Manchester United wins: 16
Grimsby vs Manchester United match odds
Manchester United to win: 2/13
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
