Manchester United have learned which club they will face in the second round of the 2025/26 EFL Cup.
United looking to kick on after disastrous 2024/25 season
United endured an extremely difficult 2024/25 season, which saw them finish a lowly 15th place, having suffered 18 top-flight defeats.
Ruben Amorim’s arrival as Erik ten Hag’s replacement failed to spark the desired turnaround as United were regularly outdone by their opponents on the pitch.
The Portuguese coach found it difficult to impose his favored 3-4-2-1 system, which meant wins were few and far between.
United’s season ended in further heartbreak as they fell 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, dashing their hopes of securing Champions League football through the back door.
However, with the additions of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and youngster Diego Leon, there is optimism that better fortunes lie ahead for United.
The Carabao Cup, in particular, stands out as a competition United will be eager to win.
The 20-time English champions have now discovered who they will face in the second round of the competition.
United learn EFL second round opponents
United will start against League Two outfit Grimsby Town.
Amorim and his players will make their way to Blundell Park on the week commencing August 25.
We travel to Grimsby in the second round of the Carabao Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/eEfNpcVdTk
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 13, 2025
It’s the first time United will be playing in the second round of the EFL Cup since 2014, when Louis van Gaal’s side fell to a humiliating 4-0 thrashing at the hands of League One’s MK Dons.
United are one of 11 Premier League teams playing at this early stage of the competition, following their failure to clinch European football.
Meanwhile, United are back in action on Sunday when they kickstart their 2025/26 Premier League campaign with a home match against Arsenal. Kick-off is at 16:30 BST.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
