Will Man United return to League Cup? Grimsby Town found guilty of rule breach, but there’s a twist

Grimsby Town, who handed Manchester United their biggest shock defeat of the new 2025-26 season, has been found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in their victory over the Red Devils. The League Two side Grimsby have been fined £20,000 for their mistake.

Playing a team in the fourth division of English football, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United were the firm favourites to not only win the second round match in the Carabao Cup, but also secure their first victory of the season after a defeat and a draw against Arsenal and Fulham in the English Premier League.

‘Man United slapped by the fish’

However, as fate would have it, United not only lost the match but they succumbed to a defeat in a dramatic fashion. First, they were 2-0 down, but managed to take the match into the penalty shootouts. Man United could have won the match in the penalties, but Matheus Cunha missed the opportunity on the final kick of the regular five shots, before losing 11-12 in a shootout as Bryan Mbeumo made the final mistake.

Grimsby Town FC, which is also called The Mariners as they hail from a city known for its fishing industry, was quick to make fun of United on social media as they shared a “You’ve just been slapped by the fish” meme.

Was hoping we could use this… #GTFC pic.twitter.com/lftTZgHg8b

— Grimsby Town F.C. (@officialgtfc) August 27, 2025

It was a difficult defeat as Amorim accepted that “something” has to change at the club, hinting that he may step down from the post of Man United coach. He, however, has since backtracked on those quotes.

Will Man Utd get a replay against Grimsby?

Nonetheless, Grimsby Town getting fined for fielding an ineligible player against Man Utd has raised hopes among the fans of the Old Trafford club that they may be added back in the League Cup.

In the FA Cup 2023, Barnsley were ejected after using an ineligible player against Horsham during their first-round replay win.

Yes, Man United will not be returning to the League Cup. As per the BBC, the club was informed about Grimsby’s mistake on Monday, but the Red Devils do not want to return to the League Cup this season. This also means Grimsby will play in the third round of the League Cup.