Manchester United will not return to the Carabao Cup after Grimsby was punished for protecting an ineligible player during the second round of clashes last week. The Red Devils were dumped from the competition by their League 2 opponents after their tie was resolved by a penalty shootout.
United arrived at Brandel Park as an overwhelming favourite to advance to the third round of the Carabao Cup and selected a star-studded starting lineup from the start, including Masteus Cuña, Benjamin Sesco and Mauerugarte. However, the 13-time Premier League champions went 2-0 30 minutes after the collision as the home side felt upset. Alternate Brian Mbemo and Harry Maguire scored second half goals to enforce penalties. And surprisingly, after Mbeumo missed the final spot kick, he was on top as Grimsby scored a 12-11 shootout.
Grimsby signed up for Clarke Oduor at 12:01pm the day before the meeting after signing him on loan from Bradford.
However, the player registration deadline was noon. In other words, League 2 clubs have been fouled under the EFL regulations.
However, Grimsby was allowed to remain in the race and instead of being expelled, he was subjected to a financial fine. The self-reported club was suspended for £10,000 and fined £20,000.
A statement from the EFL said, “The EFL Committee, which serves as the Carabao Cup’s management committee, today fined Grimsbytown Football Club £20,000.
“This violation relates to a club that has a player ineligible against Manchester United in a tie in Round 2 on August 27, 2025. Grimsbytown has made its third time following a 12-11 penalty shootout victory at Brandel Park.
“The situation leading to this violation is that the town of Grimsby submitted its registration for Clark O’Dour at 12:01 pm, just before 12:01 pm, just after the deadline in accordance with the competition rules on 26/2025.
“The club self-reported the violation upon discovery the day after the fixture was completed.
“After considering a comprehensive review of all evidence and reviewing previous decisions committed regarding crimes in the League Cup, the board determined that the issuance of fines has been a precedent.
“The board also noted that the club’s violations were unintentional and unintentional. They then took several actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“The club will be liable for a £10,000 suspension if it reintroduces unqualified players in the league competition from the present until the end of season 2025/26.”
United missed a trip to Sheffield on Wednesday in the third round after losing to Grimsby.
The competition offered Reuben Amorim the first opportunity to land a trophy for United. His team is realistically dependent on the FA Cup glory this season as they are unlikely to take part in a race to win a Premier League title.
United won the Carabao Cup under Eric Teng Hug in the 2022/23 season, and the Dutch were fired six months later after leading the Northwest Giants to a successful FA Cup. And now Amorim faces a difficult battle to get his first trophy as United boss.
“I know the best team, the only team on the pitch, won,” admits Amorim, disappointed after his team’s shock defeat. “One team can win against a group of players.
“The team and the players spoke really loudly today, so I think that’s all. We lost and the best team won.
“I think it’s really clear what they’ve talked about, so let’s move on from today. I think what happened today was really clear to everyone.”
