Kobbie Mainoo has been named in Manchester United’s eleven to face Grimsby in the second round of the Carabao Cup this evening.
The England midfielder has been the subject of mounting speculation over his future and is said to be open to a move away from Old Trafford after being an unused substitute in each of the Red Devils’ first two Premier League fixtures.
But he’s been afforded a start tonight by Ruben Amorim in what looks like a midfield two alongside Manuel Ugarte.
Andre Onana, who seemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, has been recalled in-goal behind a United back three of Harry Maguire, Tyler Fredericson and Ayden Heaven.
Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot start at wing-back with Matheus Cunha and Amad Diallo in the No 10 positions, both of whom retain their spots after the 1-1 draw at Fulham.
While £74million recruit Benjamin Sesko makes his full debut for the Red Devils up front having been used off the bench in both of his Premier League appearances.
Kobbie Mainoo starts for Manchester United at Grimsby this evening amid mounting speculation over his future
The England midfielder has not featured in either of the Red Devils first two Premier League fixtures this season
Ruben Amorim has also handed £74million signing Benjamin Sesko his full debut
Amorim has a host of firepower on his bench if the trip to the north-east goes drastically wrong, with skipper Bruno Fernandes, midfielder Casemiro, Mason Mount and new signing Bryan Mbuemo all named as substitutes.
Mainoo’s inclusion in the eleven comes after he was reduced to a spectator by Amorim against both Arsenal and Fulham.
The 20-year-old appeared dejected and even bemused post-match at Craven Cottage as he prepared for a warm-down with fellow unused substitute Joshua Zirkzee, with reports later emerging that Mainoo is considering his future at Old Trafford.
A host of clubs, including Real and Atletico Madrid, are believed to be monitoring the United youngster’s availability ahead of next week’s deadline after Ruben Amorim insisted he is ‘competing with Bruno [Fernandes]’ for his place in the side.
Andre Onana’s return also seems significant after he was axed as the No 1 at Old Trafford by Altay Bayindir.
The Turkish international has however struggled to impress since coming into the side, looking particularly shaky under crosses and less than confident with the ball at his feet.
United are expecting to complete a deal for Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens ahead of next week’s deadline in a bid to solve their goalkeeping troubles.
Onana, a Cameroon international, will therefore be eager to impress at Blundell Park this evening in order to win his place back in the starting eleven.
Andre Onana returns to the Man United eleven this evening in place of the struggling Altay Bayindir
Matheus Cunha keeps his place as the Brazilian continues his search for his first United goal
United’s front three of Cunha, Amad and Sesko tonight certainly boasts firepower, with all three in search of their first goals of the season and, for two of the trio, their first goals in the red of Manchester United.
They face a Grimsby side who have started their League Two campaign strongly, winning three out of their first five games, drawing the other two.
The host’s manager David Artell has made four changes to the side who drew 1-1 with Accrington Stanley at the weekend.
The action gets underway at 8pm.
