Manchester United Starting XI vs Grimsby: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Man United Face Key Test Against Grimsby in Carabao Cup

Manchester United travel to Blundell Park tonight looking for their first win of the season in the Carabao Cup second round. A trip to Grimsby may appear routine, yet the pressure on Ruben Amorim is mounting after an unconvincing start to life in England.

Team Selection Dilemma for Amorim

Amorim faces a significant decision over team rotation. In normal circumstances, this would be a chance to give fringe players and academy talents valuable minutes. However, two Premier League matches without victory have changed the outlook. A frustrating 1-1 draw away to Fulham left United searching for rhythm and confidence, meaning a strong line-up is expected as the manager looks for a morale-boosting result.

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The Portuguese coach invested around £200 million to reshape United’s attack this summer, yet none of those signings have scored in their opening two league fixtures. This fixture could be the perfect platform for the new-look front line to find cohesion and deliver goals.

Key Roles for Fernandes and Sesko

Bruno Fernandes may return to a more advanced role at No 10, working alongside Matheus Cunha in a system designed to stretch Grimsby’s defensive shape. Behind them, Benjamin Sesko is tipped to make his full debut. The Slovenian striker arrived from RB Leipzig with a big reputation and a sizeable fee, but he is under pressure to deliver quickly.

Amorim knows Sesko needs regular minutes to build sharpness, and this tie offers the perfect environment to settle in. Fernandes operating higher up the pitch could also open space for Kobbie Mainoo in midfield, giving the academy graduate an important opportunity to impress.

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Potential Changes and Injury News

An early Carabao Cup round often allows academy prospects to feature. Tyler Fredricson, an unused substitute at Fulham, could be handed his first senior start. In goal, Altay Bayindir has been first choice in the league, but with reports of an impending departure, Andre Onana looks set to return between the posts.

The injury list remains short, with Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez the only confirmed absentees.

Predicted Man United Line-up

(3-4-2-1): Onana; Fredricson, Maguire, Heaven; Amad, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dalot; Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko

Injured: Mazraoui, Martinez

Kick-off is at 8pm BST on Wednesday 27 August at Blundell Park. Coverage will be available on Sky Sports and ITV.