Manchester United playing in the Second Round of the EFL Cup is indeed a rare sight.
But that is the punishment for Ruben Amorim’s side after an awful 2024-25 campaign which saw the Red Devils finish 15th in the Premier League and lose 1-0 to Tottenham in the Europa League final.
United have not got off to the best of starts this season either, so a cup fixture at League Two Grimsby represents the perfect opportunity to build some much-needed confidence.
Below is our full betting preview for Grimsby vs Manchester United, complete with tips and the latest football odds.
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Grimsby vs Manchester United Preview
United are still searching for their first win of the season following last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham.
An equaliser from Emile Smith Rowe means yet more questions are being asked of manager Amorim, who just cannot seem to put a positive run together from the Red Devils’ dugout.
United performed well in their Matchday 1 fixture against Arsenal, but ultimately lost 1-0, and the three new big-money signings in attack are yet to get off the mark.
Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all need to rediscover the scoring touch as soon as possible, and this could be the perfect stage to do so.
Grimsby have actually started the season in fine fashion, though, sitting fourth in League Two with three wins and two draws from five matches.
However, a fourth-tier side should stand little to no chance of getting anywhere near United, especially if Amorim chooses to field a strong XI.
Sesko has only appeared from the bench since joining from RB Leipzig, so it is likely he will get his first start here.
Elsewhere, Kobbie Mainoo is yet to play a minute in 2025-26, a controversial decision from Amorim that will be discussed even more before the teams are announced later this evening. If Mainoo is not in the XI, a move away from Old Trafford late in the transfer window will be touted.
As for hosts Grimsby, keep an eye on Jaze Kabia and Evan Khouri, who have scored five goals between them in League Two.
Can they help produce a seismic upset? Well, in 2005-06, Grimsby defeated Tottenham at this stage of the competition, although a League Two club knocking out Premier League opposition still remains uncommon.
Grimsby vs Manchester United Odds
*All odds are subject to change
Of course, Grimsby are huge underdogs here, priced at 15.00 for the win. A United victory is at odds of 1.15, while the draw – which would take us to a penalty shootout – is 8.40.
Grimsby vs Manchester United Betting Tips
Benjamin Sesko to score anytime @ 1.71
We expect Sesko to start this match – and we also expect the Slovenian star to grab his first goal for the club. Whether he starts alongside Cunha and Mbeumo or not, Sesko should have far too much quality for the Grimsby defence. He scored 13 goals in 33 Bundesliga appearances last season.
Manchester United to score over 2.5 goals @ 1.69
With Sesko potentially leading the line and other attacking options such as Amad Diallo, Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee, United can certainly rack up the goals at Blundell Park. Grimsby have conceded at least once in four of the last five matches across all competitions.
Both teams to score – Yes @ 2.21
The riskiest of the three selections, but United’s defence does not exactly inspire much confidence. And with a home crowd roaring on the players, Grimsby can certainly get on the scoresheet themselves. The League Two outfit have scored 10 goals in the fourth tier so far this season, the joint-highest total.
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