For the first time in over a decade, Manchester United will be stepping into the Carabao Cup at the second-round stage — a rare situation brought about by their absence from European football this season.
Under the tournament rules, Premier League teams without continental commitments enter the competition at this point, joining clubs that have already battled through the opening round.
The draw, held on Wednesday evening before the last few first-round matches were completed, handed United a trip that might make some fans nervous — and for good reason.
A Journey to a League Two Battleground
Ruben Amorim’s side will be heading to League Two outfit Grimsby Town, a team that secured their spot in the second round after beating Shrewsbury Town 3-1 on Tuesday night.
On paper, it’s a massive mismatch — but football history has a way of turning “easy” fixtures into long nights.
United and Grimsby haven’t crossed paths since 1948, but their earlier meetings were far more frequent.
Back when United were still called Newton Heath, the two sides regularly competed in Division One and Division Two.
In total, they’ve faced each other 35 times — United winning 16, drawing six, and losing 15.
History Isn’t on United’s Side
While those old statistics may seem distant, they carry an interesting quirk — United have only managed two wins in their last 17 games against Grimsby.
It’s a reminder that smaller clubs have often managed to frustrate the giants, especially in cup competitions where the pressure can twist in unexpected ways.
Lessons from Newport County
United fans don’t have to dig too deep into recent memory to recall a scare against lower-league opposition.
Just last season in the FA Cup, they travelled to Newport County, raced to a 2-0 lead inside 13 minutes through Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, and seemed on course for a comfortable evening.
But Newport hit back — Bryn Morris and Will Evans stunned Erik ten Hag’s men by levelling the match.
It took goals from Antony in the 68th minute and Rasmus Højlund in stoppage time to secure United’s place in the next round.
That night proved there are no guaranteed walkovers.
Other Standout Second-Round Clashes
The second-round draw also produced some intriguing all-Premier League matchups.
Bournemouth will host Brentford, while Wolves welcome West Ham in ties that promise high-intensity football.
Elsewhere, Championship and lower-league sides will look to claim big scalps and make headlines.
Full Carabao Cup Second-Round Draw
Northern Section
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Tranmere Rovers or Burton Albion v Lincoln City
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Accrington Stanley v Doncaster Rovers
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Wigan Athletic v Stockport County
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Stoke City v Bradford City
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Burnley v Derby County
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Sunderland v Huddersfield Town or Leicester City
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Birmingham City or Sheffield United v Port Vale
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Preston North End v Wrexham
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Barnsley or Fleetwood Town v Rotherham United
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Bolton Wanderers or Sheffield Wednesday v Leeds United
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Everton v Mansfield Town
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Grimsby Town v Manchester United
Southern Section
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Fulham v Bristol City
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Norwich City v Southampton
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Oxford United v Brighton & Hove Albion
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Reading v AFC Wimbledon
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AFC Bournemouth v Brentford
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Millwall v Coventry City
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Wolverhampton Wanderers v West Ham United
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Swansea City v Plymouth Argyle
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Bromley v Wycombe Wanderers
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Cardiff City v Cheltenham Town or Exeter City
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Cambridge United v Charlton Athletic