Manchester United faces an early start to their domestic cup campaign this year due to their absence from European competitions.
The team, now led by Ruben Amorim, will want to avoid a repeat of the embarrassing 4-0 defeat suffered against MK Dons in 2014 under Louis van Gaal. Amorim is still searching for his first win of the season after two Premier League games, making this match crucial.
Grimsby Town, on the other hand, comes into this match with strong momentum, having won three and drawn two of their first five League Two games.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Grimsby Town vs Manchester United is set to kick off at 8pm BST on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
The game will be held at Blundell Park.
Where to watch Grimsby vs Manchester United
TV channel: In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can stream the game live through 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 is expected to make some changes to the lineup, but a complete overhaul from the 1-1 draw against Fulham is unlikely.
With Altay Bayindir potentially leaving before the transfer deadline, Andre Onana could return in goal. Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, and Ayden Heaven might form a new defensive line.
Ahead of the cup tie, Amorim stated that defender Noussair Mazraoui is unlikely to return before the international break.
He said, “No, maybe he is going to return next week, we will see.
“But he’s near, we are just finishing some drills with him to be sure that he’s not going to have another problem.”
Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, or possibly youngster Chido Obi, could see playing time. New striker Benjamin Sesko is in line to start his first game since joining. Captain Bruno Fernandes might be rested, while players like Mason Mount, Casemiro, and Leny Yoro could retain their spots.

Absent: Noussair Mazraoui
Getty Images
Grimsby vs Manchester United prediction
Manchester United’s current form is questionable. An early goal for Grimsby could create real problems for the visiting side. While an upset is unlikely given the odds, anything is possible with this Manchester United team.
Despite recent struggles, a defeat against a League Two team would be a major shock. Regardless of the lineup Ruben Amorim selects, Manchester United should have a stronger team on paper.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
These two teams haven’t played each other in 77 years.
Their last encounter was a 1-1 draw in the old English Division One in 1948.
Manchester United wins: 16
Grimsby vs Manchester United match odds
Manchester United to win: 2/13
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).