In Cleethorpes, at Blundell Park stadium, Grimsby Town and Manchester United face off this Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 4:00 PM (Brasília time), in the second round of the English League Cup. The match marks the teams’ reunion after 77 years, since their 1-1 draw in 1948 in the English Championship. Broadcast live on ESPN and Disney+, the clash pits an unbeaten Grimsby, from the fourth division, against a Manchester United seeking their first win of the 2025/26 season. The match is decisive, with a spot in the next round decided by penalties in case of a draw. The game promises excitement, with the home side backed by a passionate crowd and United under pressure to avoid surprises.
Grimsby Town is in high spirits, with three wins and two draws in League Two, plus a convincing 3-1 victory over Shrewsbury Town in the first round of the tournament. Meanwhile, Manchester United, led by Rúben Amorim, has yet to win in the Premier League, with a 1-0 loss to Arsenal and a 1-1 draw against Fulham. The confirmed Red Devils lineup features new additions, such as Benjamin Sesko starting up top.
- Venue: Blundell Park Stadium, Cleethorpes, England
- Broadcast: ESPN, Disney+, Betfair TV (for clients)
- Format: Single match, with penalties in case of a draw
- Key players: Jaze Kabia (Grimsby) and Bruno Fernandes (United)
Confirmed lineup and tactical strategies
Grimsby Town, coached by David Artell, takes the field in a 4-1-4-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick counterattacks. Goalkeeper Pym anchors the defense, with Rodgers, Warren, McJannet, and Sweeney in a back four. In midfield, McEachran acts as the pivot, while Vernam, Khouri, Green, and Burns aim to create chances for striker Gardner. Jaze Kabia, with four goals this season, is the main attacking threat, likely to come off the bench to exploit his speed.
Manchester United, in a 3-4-2-1 setup, will have Onana in goal, with Fredricson, Maguire, and Heaven in defense. Dalot and Dorgu occupy the wings, while Mainoo and Ugarte form the midfield duo. Up front, Diallo and Cunha support Sesko, who makes his debut as a starter. Rúben Amorim is looking for better chemistry among the new signings, with Bruno Fernandes, listed among the substitutes, potentially entering to change the game.
- Grimsby Town: Pym; Rodgers, Warren, McJannet, Sweeney; McEachran; Vernam, Khouri, Green, Burns; Gardner
- Manchester United: Onana; Fredricson, Maguire, Heaven; Dalot, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dorgu; Diallo, Cunha; Sesko
- Grimsby absences: Lavelle (calf), Svanthorsson (knee)
- United absences: Lisandro Martínez (knee), Mazraoui (thigh)
Grimsby’s strategy hinges on compact lines to neutralize United’s attacking prowess, while the visitors will prioritize possession and the movement of Sesko and Cunha to create openings.
Where to watch live and viewing options
The match will be broadcast live on ESPN on pay TV and Disney+ for streaming, offering accessible options for Brazilian fans. For those seeking real-time stats, platforms like 365Scores and Sofascore provide detailed data, including possession, shots on goal, and substitutions. Betfair clients can watch for free on Betfair TV, while fans outside Brazil can use a VPN, such as NordVPN, to bypass geo-restrictions.
Blundell Park, with a capacity of around 9,000 fans, is sold out, reflecting the anticipation for this historic clash. The officiating crew, yet to be announced, will consist of experienced referees, according to the League Cup organizers.
- TV channels: ESPN
- Streaming: Disney+, Betfair TV (for clients)
- Apps: 365Scores, Sofascore
- VPN for international access: NordVPN
Historical context of the matchup
The clash between Grimsby Town and Manchester United carries significant historical weight. The teams haven’t faced each other since March 17, 1948, when they drew 1-1 in the English Championship. Across 37 historical meetings, United won 16, Grimsby 15, and there were six draws, a surprising balance given the current divisional gap. Grimsby, absent from the top flight since 1947/48, sees this as a chance to relive past glories.
Blundell Park, founded in 1899, is one of England’s oldest stadiums and sits close to the River Humber, adding a quirky charm: poorly executed crosses might land in the water. The Mariners’ passionate fanbase is set to turn the stadium into a cauldron, despite its limited capacity.
- Last meeting: 1-1 draw in 1948, English Championship
- Head-to-head: 16 United wins, 15 Grimsby wins, 6 draws
- Fun fact: Blundell Park is one of England’s oldest stadiums
Team form and expectations
Grimsby Town is riding a wave of confidence, unbeaten in League Two with 11 points from five matches, sitting fourth in the standings. Their 3-1 win over Shrewsbury in the League Cup’s first round showcased their attacking potential, led by Jaze Kabia. The team is banking on home support and tactical discipline to challenge Manchester United, who are struggling early in the season.
United, meanwhile, have yet to win in the 2025/26 Premier League, with a 1-0 loss to Arsenal and a 1-1 draw against Fulham. Rúben Amorim, under pressure, sees the League Cup as a chance to restore confidence in the squad and fans. Sesko’s debut as a starter and the potential impact of Bruno Fernandes off the bench are key factors for a convincing win.
- Grimsby form: 3 wins, 2 draws in last 5 matches
- United form: 1 draw, 1 loss in last 2 matches
- Grimsby player to watch: Jaze Kabia (4 goals this season)
- United player to watch: Benjamin Sesko (debut as starter)
Factors that could decide the match
The technical gap between the teams is clear, but Grimsby has tools to trouble Manchester United. The home advantage, with Blundell Park’s passionate crowd, could pressure the visitors, especially given United’s poor recent away record: just two wins in their last 13 away games. Additionally, the forecasted moderate wind in Cleethorpes, with gusts up to 20 km/h, may affect the accuracy of long passes and crosses.
On the other hand, Manchester United boasts superior individual quality. Sesko, a high-profile signing, has a chance to shine, while Ugarte and Mainoo could dominate midfield. Bruno Fernandes’ potential substitute appearance could be a game-changer, given his assist record. Betting odds from Betfair favor United at 1.10, with Grimsby at 15.20, but the home side could capitalize on defensive errors.
- Grimsby advantage: Home crowd and defensive organization
- United advantage: Technical quality and experience
- Weather factor: Wind may impact aerial plays
- Prediction: Manchester United 3-0 Grimsby, with a chance of a home goal
