Grimsby v Man United: Line-ups, stats and preview

United spent the summer trying to bolster their attacking options, bringing in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko at a combined cost of approaching £200m, yet they have mustered just one goal so far, and that was an own goal scored by Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz.

Amorim’s record at Old Trafford remains desperately disappointing and, although the matchday fans haven’t yet voiced their displeasure, the Portuguese must realise he needs to turn things round and quickly.

He has confirmed he will make several changes for the trip to the east coast with Andre Onana likely to return in goal.

Altay Bayindir has played the first two Premier League games of the season but has looked shaky, particularly on crosses.

Asked today if his defence is doing enough to protect the goalkeeper, Amorim said: “Yes. We are trying everything. I know you are focused a lot on the opponents’ corners but if you remember this game [at Fulham], we had our chances and scored a goal from a set piece. We had a penalty. We had at least one in the end near the post. 

“You can see every game in the Premier League. Tell me one game that you didn’t see a big occasion from a corner? That will happen in every game.”

Grimsby will likely target set-pieces as an area in which they can hurt United.

David Artell’s men have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the league season and remain one of the leading contenders for promotion.

The atmosphere inside the tight ground will be electric and it has all the hallmarks of a fabulous occasion for the home side.

Amorim will be desperate to avoid another embarrassment with the EFL Cup winners getting a place in Europe – one of the club’s stated ambitions this season.

United won’t play in continental competition this term and another season’s absence from the top table could provide a major financial headache.

“We need time to build a base and then, in the future, to move forward,” said Amorim.

“We will reach a moment where we need to have Europe so everybody can play games.”

Team News for Grimsby v Man United

Grimsby have doubts over the fitness of Jason Svanthorsson and Sam Lavelle with both likely to miss out.

United will make wholesale changes with several players in desperate need of game time.

Sesko could get his first start with the likes of Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and youngsters Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson set to feature.

Noussair Mazraoui is injured while Rasmus Hojliund is unlikely to play as he closes in on a move to Napoli.

Expected line-ups for Grimsby v Man United

Grimsby: Pym; Rodgers, Warren, McJannet, Staunton; McEachren, Amaluzor, Turi, Khouri, Burns; Kabia

Man United: Onana; Heaven, Maguire, Fredricson; Amad, Mainoo, Ugarte, Dorgu; Mount, Zirkzee, Sesko