Amorim confirms team for Grimsby tie

Wednesday 27 August 2025 18:45

Ruben Amorim has made eight changes to his Manchester United side, for the Carabao Cup second-round tie at Grimsby Town.

Amad, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matheus Cunha are the only survivors from the XI that started at Fulham on Sunday.

Andre Onana makes his first appearance of the season in goal, while it's a whole new back three as Harry Maguire captains the side flanked by youngsters Tyler Fredricson and Ayden Heaven.

Grimsby preview: Team news, TV info, form guides

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Read the full preview ahead of our Carabao Cup opener against the Mariners.

Diogo Dalot seems likely to start at right full-back, which means it looks as though Amad will play further forward, alongside Cunha.

Kobbie Mainoo is set to start alongside Manuel Ugarte in midfield, while there's a full debut for Benjamin Sesko as the Slovenian leads the line, after making two substitute appearances against Arsenal and Fulham.

Amorim has named a strong-looking bench, which includes summer signing Diego Leon for the first time in a competitive outing.

“He [Sesko] is doing well,” said Ruben, when asked about his selection choices. “He just needs to do his job, small things.

“The way he plays is enough: we just have to put the effort in and the ideas that we’ve trained for this game, and a normal game, like you’re supposed to do in Manchester United.

“I expect a lot from Kobbie Mainoo and again people think that sometimes you need to just give. I think it’s important for Kobbie to fight for his place.

“I believe a lot in Kobbie – more than everybody thinks – so I expect a lot from him.”

Harry Maguire captains the side at Blundell Park.

UNITED TEAM TO FACE GRIMSBY

Starting XI: Onana; Fredricson, Maguire (c), Heaven; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu; Amad, Cunha; Sesko.

Substitutes: Bayindir, Heaton, De Ligt, Leon, Casemiro, Fernandes, Mount, Mbeumo, Zirkzee.

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