Pundit Predictions: How many changes?

Pundit Predictions: How many changes?

Will Ruben Amorim rotate his Manchester United starting line-up as we begin our 2025/26 Carabao Cup campaign, and could Benjamin Sesko get his first start? Our pundits have had their say…

The Reds are seeking a first win of the new season after frustrating results in the opening two Premier League fixtures, at home to Arsenal (0-1) and away against Fulham (1-1).

There’s been plenty of positive moments across the 180 minutes, with new signings Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in particular shining so far this season.

Ahead of a rare visit to Grimsby Town, our first since 1948, we’ve been playing our popular United Predictions game alongside MUTV pundits Phil Bardsley and Sammy McIlroy. Join in now by guessing how many changes Ruben will make, and which Red will prove the difference-maker against the Mariners.

Predict Ruben’s starting XI, the scoreline, first goalscorer and your Man of the Match, and you’ll have the chance to win some great prizes if you do.

So, what kind of side can we expect? Well, Bardsley is expecting five changes from the team that were held at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Does that include new signing Sesko, who is seeking a first start?

Well, check out his full predictions below before making your own…

PHIL BARDSLEY’S PREDICTIONS

United XI: Heaton; Maguire, Yoro, De Ligt; Dalot, Fernandes, Ugarte, Chinazaekpere Dorgu; Amad, Cunha; Sesko.

Score: Grimsby Town 0-3 UNITED

First scorer: Amad

Man of the Match: Amad

Bardsley is predicting significant changes to the line-up from Amorim, including in the goalkeeping department, where he thinks Tom Heaton will get a first appearance of the season, having played several times on Tour 2025.

He’s also guessing further tweaks to the backline, with Harry Maguire coming in for Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot taking the right-wing-back berth. That doesn’t mean a rest for Amad, though, with Phil believing the fleet-footed Ivorian will move further up the pitch into one of the no.10 roles, alongside Cunha.

And it’s set to be A-mad night in Cleethorpes, with Bardsley backing Amad to be United’s first goalscorer and stand-out player in a comfortable 3-0 victory.

As well Manuel Ugarte coming into the side, ahead of Casemiro, Bardsley thinks United’s loyal match-going supporters will get to see a first start for Sesko. The Slovenian striker has come off the bench twice so far since signing.

SAMMY MCILROY’S PREDICTIONS

United XI: Onana; Heaven, Maguire, Shaw; Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu; Mount, Amad; Sesko.

Score: Grimsby Town 0-3 UNITED

First scorer: Sesko

Man of the Match: Mount

McIlroy, who scored 71 goals in 419 United appearances, is backing Sesko to get his first Reds goal in his first start. And, like Bardsley, he’s expecting a dominant United win.

As for changes, Sammy thinks Andre Onana will come into the side, as well as Ayden Heaven and Harry Maguire, plus Kobbie Mainoo.

But while McIlroy expects Sesko to net, he thinks Mason Mount will be the team’s stand-out player, tipping him for the Man of the Match award.

RUBEN’S INSIGHT

Want some more advice before making your predictions? Well, the boss will help you out.

Asked whether he’s likely to rotate his team for this second-round tie, Ruben told journalists:

“Yes. Yes, we have three games this week, we have quality players, and we need to do rotation to try to win every game.”

He was also asked about Noussair Mazraoui’s fitness. The Moroccan international is yet to feature this season.

“Maybe he is going to return next week, we will see,” Amorim said. “But he’s near, we are just finishing some drills with him to be sure that he’s not going to have another problem.”

How our pundits assessed Fulham away Video

How our pundits assessed Fulham away

Frazier Campbell, Danny Simpson and Danny Webber analyse the talking points emerging from our draw at Fulham…

PLAY UNITED PREDICTIONS

Make your own picks in our United Predictions game now.

You have until 18:45 GMT to select your starting XI, and you can make your picks for first scorer, result and Man of the Match right up until kick-off.

With amazing prizes – including signed shirts and United Store vouchers – on offer, what are you waiting for? Get involved now!

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