Grimsby avoid EFL Cup expulsion after fielding ineligible player against Man United
Grimsby Town have not been expelled from the Carabao Cup, despite fielding an ineligible player against Manchester United.
On Wednesday, 27 August, Grimsby eliminated Man United from the competition by winning a penalty shootout 12-11.
David Artell’s men established a 2-0 lead through Charles Vernam and Tyrell Warren, but goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire initially earned a 2-2 draw for the Red Devils.
However, Grimsby beat Man United on spot kicks to secure a third-round tie with Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday.
Grimsby avoid Carabao Cup expulsion but receive fine
After successfully beating Ruben Amorim’s men, David Artell’s side were given somewhat of a reality check when they lost 1-0 to Bristol Rovers in League Two on Saturday, 30 August.
Meanwhile, as revealed by an EFL statement on Tuesday, 2 September, Grimsby registered midfielder Clarke Oduor at 12.01pm the day before their cup tie with the Red Devils, one minute after the deadline.
However, the League Two club self-reported the incident and have been handed a £20,000 fine, with £10k suspended.
Man United must put Carabao Cup embarrassment behind them
Football Insider verdict
Amorim’s desire to turn matters around at Old Trafford has been demonstrated by the fact that Man United have signed several players like Senne Lammens.
| Man United’s last three results | All competitions 2025/26 |
| Fulham (A) | 1-1 D |
| Grimsby (A) | 2-2 D, Grimsby won 12-11 on penalties |
| Burnley (H) | 3-2 W |
The Red Devils will hope that the former Royal Antwerp goalkeeper can perform well, amid the recent poor showings from both Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir.
Amorim steered the North West outfit to a poor finish in the Premier League last term, as well as a defeat in the Europa League final, and is vying for greater success this time around.
However, Man United’s chances of winning silverware this campaign took a significant dent when they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Grimsby.
The Red Devils subsequently showed some character in their unconvincing 3-2 win over Burnley on Saturday, 30 August, and must use that as a platform to build on.
Amorim must ensure that his side’s season is not defined by their premature cup exit.