Predicted Manchester United line-up to face Grimsby, Kobbie Mainoo decision as Benjamin Sesko starts

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Manchester United continue the 2025/26 campaign on Wednesday night against Grimsby with hopes of a first win of the season.

The season is now two weeks in and so far, it has not gone as planned for Manchester United.

One point from two games has led to early rumblings of pressure on Ruben Amorim to get a result.

There were plenty of positives to take after United lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the season opener, having played the Gunners off the pitch for most of the game.

This led to plenty of excitement and expectations that a big win would be on the cards the following week against Fulham.

However, after a lightning quick start which might have seen United leading 2-0 on another day, the performance against Fulham wasn’t good enough.

United drew 1-1 with Fulham with the outcome leading to plenty of frustration around the club with too many problems arising which were present last season.

However, with the Carabao Cup second round, United have a chance to break the scoring rut and build momentum ahead of the Burnley clash on Saturday.

• READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Man Utd’s head coach – Ruben Amorim

How Manchester United could line-up against Grimsby

Given the drop in opposition levels, Amorim is expected to rotate his team heavily for the clash with League Two Grimsby, but he still needs to win.

Rotated doesn’t mean weak and we still expect a team packed with first-team players who maybe aren’t first choice at the moment, but should be more than good enough to see Amorim get a valuable win.

So here is our predicted line-up to take on Grimsby.

Altay Bayindir

In goal, the situation seems up in the air, however it is pretty clear that Altay Bayindir is Amorim’s first choice.

With Andre Onana now looking to leave United, we can’t see the Cameroonian playing and so Bayindir should retain his place with Senne Lammens expected to arrive in the next few days.

Tyler Fredricson

Moving into the defence and Amorim will likely make changes as he has options to do so. Therefore, replacing Leny Yoro in the right centre-back role we expect Tyler Fredricson.

Amorim is a fan of Fredricson and so we expect he will be trusted to play a role in beating Grimsby.

Harry Maguire

It seems pretty clear that Matthijs de Ligt is nailing down the starting berth in the middle of the back three right now which means Harry Maguire will have to settle for starts in the cup for the moment.

Maguire is very important under Amorim both on and off the pitch, but we see him getting his first start of the season here where he will hope to earn another start at the weekend.

• READ MORE: Who is Harry Maguire? A look at the life of the Manchester United and England colossus

Ayden Heaven

Back in the starting line-up alongside Maguire is Ayden Heaven who is back at full fitness after an injury concern in pre-season.

Heaven will be looking to earn a place in the team over Luke Shaw who has started the season so well.

• READ MORE: Who is Ayden Heaven? Profile, Parents, Age, Position, Career & More

Amad

At right wing-back, playing Diogo Dalot seems like a really pragmatic approach considering there shouldn’t be much defensive work to be done and so we want to see Amad starting for that extra attacking output.

Amorim wrongly withdrew Amad vs Fulham and he will need the Ivorian on top form to help break down what is sure to be a stubborn low block.

• READ MORE: Who is Amad Diallo? Height, Position, Transfer Fee, Salary, Career

Manuel Ugarte

Moving into midfield and the biggest weakness in the United team is defensive midfield, however, with Casemiro preferred to Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan should start this one.

Amorim has backed Ugarte for a huge season, and he really needs the midfielder to begin to demonstrate his quality starting against Grimsby.

• READ: Who is Manuel Ugarte? Everything you need to know on Uruguay midfielder

Kobbie Mainoo

This week has seen Kobbie Mainoo become the biggest talking point around United, after his lack of minutes during the season’s first two games.

With reports suggesting he is ready to leave, Amorim needs to give Mainoo a chance against Grimsby to show his quality. If he doesn’t start this one, it could spell the end.

• READ MORE: Who is Kobbie Mainoo? Inside the life of Man Utd’s rising star, including his parents, brother and school

Diego Leon

On the left, Patrick Dorgu needs a break, but after a slow start to the season, Diego Leon will see this game as his opportunity to steal a starting place.

Leon looked very impressive during pre-season and we think he starts against Grimsby, with Amorim clearly seeing him as a first-team player.

Joshua Zirkzee

Like Mainoo, Joshua Zirkzee is yet to play for United this season, however that should all change against Grimsby as he comes in to replace Bryan Mbeumo.

Zirkzee was set for a big second season, but injuries over the summer have slowed his progress. Now, we expect him to get minutes under his belt and begin to look like a proper option for the Red Devils.

• READ: Who is Joshua Zirkzee? Meet the 6’4″ Man Utd signing who reminds Thiago Motta of Ronaldinho

Bruno Fernandes

In the left sided number 10 role, we think Bruno Fernandes will be the one to go without a rest, as Mason Mount needs a break to protect him and Matheus Cunha steps out.

Fernandes had a bad game against Fulham, but that only strengthens the argument to play him against Grimsby as he will be eager to impress.

• READ MORE: Who is Bruno Fernandes? Inside the life of Manchester United’s Portuguese Magnifico

Benjamin Sesko

Leading the line, finally, we expect United to use a proper striker and Benjamin Sesko to make his full debut.

It will be a physical test, but it should allow him to score a handful of goals and build confidence before starting against Burnley at Old Trafford. His presence should improve the way this team functions in general.