Manchester United’s dramatic exit from the Carabao Cup at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town has taken an unexpected twist after it emerged that the Mariners fielded an ineligible player during their shock victory.
United were eliminated following a marathon penalty shootout, which ended 12-11 in Grimsby’s favor after a 2-2 draw in regulation time. The Red Devils had rallied from 2-0 down to force extra time, but ultimately their campaign ended at Blundell Park in stunning fashion.
The controversy centers on Grimsby midfielder Clarke Oduor, a Kenyan international, who should not have been eligible to play. His registration was completed just one minute after the official EFL deadline of 12:00 PM on the day before the match. Due to what was later described as a computer error, the oversight was not flagged, and Oduor went on to feature in the game. Ironically, he missed his spot-kick in the decisive shootout.
After discovering the mistake, Grimsby immediately reported themselves to the EFL and accepted responsibility. However, hopes among Manchester United supporters that their club might be reinstated were quickly dashed.
According to EFL competition rules, such breaches do not result in disqualification. Instead, clubs found guilty of fielding an ineligible player are typically hit with financial penalties. Grimsby are expected to be fined between £10,000 and £20,000, a punishment consistent with past precedents in the Carabao Cup.
This ruling highlights the difference in governance between competitions. In the FA Cup, the consequences are far harsher teams fielding ineligible players face expulsion, and in past cases clubs have been reinstated. In the League Cup, however, results are upheld, with fines used as the corrective measure.
For Manchester United, the decision compounds what has already been a challenging start to the season. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, the club has managed only four points from their opening three Premier League games and now find themselves without the opportunity to compete for one of the season’s domestic trophies.
While Grimsby march on to the next round of the competition despite their administrative blunder, United must now shift focus to improving league form and preparing for European commitments.
