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Manchester United's Carabao Cup opponents Grimsby Town have been penalised for an EFL rule break
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Manchester United were defeated on spot kicks by League Two outfit Grimsby Town last week. Ruben Amorim's side bowed out of the Carabao Cup at the Second Round having lost 12-11 on penalties to fourth tier Grimsby. David Artell's side went two goals up at Blundell Park but were pegged back by their Premier League opponents, sending the tie straight to a shootout, per competition rules.
A statement from the EFL on Tuesday, September 2 confirmed Grimsby have been sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player during the match. The Mariners' Clarke Oduor was registered at 12: 01pm on the day before the fixture, one minute after the registration deadline had passed.
Grimsby self-reported the transgression following their fixture and have subsequently been penalised by the EFL. Artell's outfit have been fined £20, 000 - half of which is suspended until the end of the 2025-26 season - for their rule breach. The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week. Man United will not be readmitted to the competition, nor will they take Grimsby's place in the Third Round. Grimsby visit Sheffield Wednesday in the next round of the cup, who themselves defeated Premier League opponents Leeds United in Round Two.
A section of the EFL statement, relating to the club's punishment read: "Following a comprehensive review of all the evidence and considering prior decisions taken in respect of offences in the League Cup, the Board determined that the issuing of a fine followed precedent. "The Board further noted the Club’s non-compliance was not deliberate with no intention to deceive or mislead. The Club has since implemented several actions to prevent a similar occurrence in the future. " Joe joined Four Four Two as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller. You must confirm your public display name before commenting Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
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