Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim believes his side will benefit from a season without European competition, arguing that the extra time will allow him to build and develop the team.
United missed out on Europe after finishing 15th in the Premier League last season and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. It is only the second time since 1990 that the club has failed to qualify for continental competition.
As a result, United begin their Carabao Cup campaign earlier than usual, with a second-round tie away to League Two side Grimsby on Wednesday.
It will be the first meeting between the clubs since 1948. While Amorim admitted the earlier start is unusual, he stressed that the benefits of free midweeks outweigh the minor inconvenience.
United’s last entry at this stage came in 2014, when they suffered a 4-0 defeat at MK Dons in what remains one of their most humiliating cup exits.
Keen to avoid a repeat, Amorim is expected to rotate his squad after Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham, with Kobbie Mainoo, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee all in line to start.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana could also be recalled, while youngsters Ayden Heaven and Tyler Fredricson may be given opportunities.
The manager provided an update on Noussair Mazraoui, who is yet to feature this season due to injury. Amorim said the Morocco defender was “near” a return but warned that the trip to Blundell Park might come too soon.
Meanwhile, striker Rasmus Hojlund is unlikely to be involved, with negotiations progressing over a loan move to Serie A champions Napoli. The exits of Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia are also being discussed.
United have collected just one point from their opening two Premier League fixtures, and Amorim knows the Carabao Cup carries added importance this season. Winning the competition secures a place in Europe, which remains one of the club’s stated objectives despite their poor league campaign last term.
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