Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the EFL Cup match.
Manchester United’s early English Premier League matches have underlined that issues remain, but the squad now turns to the EFL Cup to face Grimsby Town, a clearly inferior opponent in terms of quality.
Grimsby Town
This town is more familiar to many through the action comedy Grimsby starring Sacha Baron Cohen than through the namesake football club. The most recognisable historical figure is Bill Shankly, but he was only starting out at Grimsby Town, and all the trophies came later at Liverpool, so many may not associate him with the club. The current head coach is David Artell, and the team is a mid-standings outfit even in English Football League Two for now. Grimsby Town have gone five matches unbeaten at the start of the new season and sit fourth in the standings, but that proves nothing ahead of a meeting with a traditional giant.
Manchester United
Manchester United are a heavyweight only in historical terms at present. Right now the team is neither one thing nor the other. By wage bill and transfer spend they should be UEFA Champions League contenders, but the quality of football and the results do not match that status. Only two English Premier League matches have been played, and 16th place is just a number, but it is concerning that the squad has not scored a single goal. The only goal against Fulham was an own goal. Around €225m has been spent on centre-forwards alone. Someone from that trio will need to make an impact on the pitch, or a result may not follow.
Grimsby Town vs Manchester United Prediction
We expect a Manchester United win, but not by a wide margin: they waste too many chances. Moreover, their last away game against an English Football League Two side, Newport County, in January 2024 finished 4:2.
