Manchester United’s campaign under Ruben Amorim has already been filled with drama, and the pressure is only increasing on the team.
United fans are still digesting the frustrating exit from the Carabao Cup, a competition that has been kind to them in recent years, providing silverware and much-needed momentum in difficult seasons.
While the focus has shifted towards the Premier League, news has emerged that has added an unexpected layer to United’s elimination.
Grimsby Town, the side responsible for knocking Manchester United out of the Carabao Cup in a dramatic 12-11 penalty shoot-out, have now been fined for fielding an ineligible player during that historic tie.
The player in question, Clarke Oduor, was registered one minute after the deadline set for the competition.
His paperwork went through at 12:01pm on the day before the fixture, narrowly missing the 12:00pm cut-off required by the 2025/26 Carabao Cup rules.
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An EFL statement, via their website, confirmed: “The EFL Board, acting as the Management Committee of the Carabao Cup, has today fined Grimsby Town Football Club £20,000 – of which £10,000 will be suspended until the end of Season 2025/26 – for having breached the Rules of the competition.
“The breach relates to the Club fielding an ineligible player against Manchester United in a Round Two tie on 27 August 2025.
“Grimsby Town progressed to Round Three following a 12-11 penalty shoot-out win at Blundell Park.
“The circumstances leading to this transgression are that Grimsby Town submitted the registration of Clarke Oduor at 12:01pm on the day before the fixture i.e. shortly after the 12:00pm deadline required in accordance with the 2025/26 competition rules.
“The Club self-reported the breach upon discovery the day after the fixture had been completed.
“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.
“The Club will be liable for the suspended sum of £10,000, if they were to again field an ineligible player in any League Competition between now and the end of Season 2025/26.”
For Manchester United supporters, this revelation will sting even more, as it means their elimination came in circumstances clouded by administrative error.
Yet, despite the ruling, United will not be reinstated in the competition, leaving Amorim and his players to focus on battles ahead.
