Manchester United travel to Grimsby Town in the second round of the Carabao Cup tonight.
The Red Devils do not usually get involved in the league cup so early due to playing in Europe. As a result, most seasons see them get a bye into the third round.
With no European distractions this season, they will have to fight through one more round if they are to win the cup they last won in 2023.
Here are three storylines to sink your teeth into.
Neck and neck record historically
United usually have a positive historical record against any English team, even the very best.
Nonetheless, United have only beaten The Mariners one more time than they have lost.
The Red Devils sit on 16 wins, while Grimsby have come out on top 15 times. There have also been six draws in the history of the fixture.
The first fixture took place in 1894 when United were still known as Newton Heath and the result was a 2-1 win for Grimsby.
The last match between the two was on the 17th March 1948, a 1-1 draw in the old First Division.
77 years later, the sides will lock horns once again.
Record in round two
As previously mentioned, United rarely begin league cup action in August.
The last time they did, they were beaten heavily in 2014 by MK Dons, losing 0-4 under Louis van Gaal.
Sir Alex Ferguson’s side also famously lost 0-3 to York City in 1995.
They have also been knocked out in the second round against Tottenham Hotspur and Coventry City at the beginning of the 1980s and also Blackpool and Bradford City in the 1960s.
Middlesbrough also got the better of United in the second round in the 1970s. Fans will he hopeful there is not another second round disappointment tonight.
History versus football league teams
Leaving things on a positive note, the Red Devils have a wonderful recent record against teams from lower divisions in cup competitions.
They beat League One Barnsley 7-0 in the Carabao Cup last season and Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup in 2024.
United also had to overcome League Two Newport County 4-2 on their way to picking up the trophy.
A talented team including Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo needed a replay to overcome fifth division Exeter City in 2005 before United got through 2-0.
After a mixed start to the new campaign, United fans will hope Ruben Amorim can see his side to a comfortable victory tonight at League Two Grimsby.
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
