Manchester United will be eyeing a solid run in the Carabao Cup this summer as Rúben Amorim’s side aim to secure their first trophy.
Rúben Amorim heads into the summer with the task of repairing Manchester United’s worst season in recent history.
In 2024/25, United slumped to 15th in the Premier League and ended the campaign trophyless for the first time in three years, suffering defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final and bowing out of both domestic cups.
The club have responded with a busy transfer window, investing over £200 million to sign Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Šeško, strengthening several key areas of the squad.
Their competitive domestic campaign kicks off in mid-August at Old Trafford against Arsenal, with Amorim eager to build on the momentum from a promising pre-season tour of the United States.
Why are United in the second round?
Usually, Manchester United enter the Carabao Cup in the third round of the competition, which takes place in September.
Last season, this round saw the club defeat Barnsley 7-0 thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford (2), Christian Eriksen (2), Alejandro Garnacho (2), and Antony. United then went on to defeat Leicester City 5-2 in the fourth round, before a 4-3 loss away against Tottenham in December ended their run.
The Carabao Cup is a fantastic inaugural trophy for any side to win, as Erik ten Hag can attest to after his 2-0 victory over Newcastle in February 2024, and Amorim will no doubt be looking to replicate this in his first full season in charge.
However, the club will have to begin this campaign in the second round. Although United almost always start from the third round, as the club finished 15th, their lack of European football means they will be playing the tie in August.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham will be the sides to enter during the third round.
When is the Carabao Cup second round draw?
With United keeping a close eye on their potential opponents for the second round of the competition, the draw is set to take place on Wednesday evening.
It will be made during Sky Sports’ build-up to Birmingham vs Sheffield United, meaning it is likely to take place at around 19:00 BST.
When is the second round of the Carabao Cup?
As for when United will play their Carabao Cup second round, this will commence after their second Premier League fixture of the season, against Fulham.
The second round of the Carabaup cup are set to be played on the week commencing 25 August.
However, with United facing Fulham at 16:30 BST on Sunday, 24 August, and having a fixture against Burnley the following Saturday, it’s likely their fixture will be scheduled for Wednesday, 27 August.
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