Grimsby Town manager claims Brentford bigger challenge than Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United

Last Updated on 28 October 2025

Grimsby Town shocked the whole world when they beat Manchester United on penalties in the Carabao Cup in August.

Despite giving away a 2-0 lead, Grimsby came back to win on penalties and deliver one of the biggest shocks in English football history.

Yet, their manager, David Artell believes their upcoming challenge in the League Cup is bigger than the one they faced against Manchester United.

‘Much more difficult’ – David Artell claims Brentford will be tougher opposition than Manchester United

Ruben Amorim has turned things around at Old Trafford, beating Liverpool at Anfield after nearly a decade and winning three on the bounce.

All that said and done, as per the Mirror, Grimsby Town boss, David Artell did not mince his words comparing United to Brentford.

“I don’t want loads of letters from Manchester United fans from Kenya or Norway,” joked Artell, “but I think they’re still finding their way under a new manager. Brentford are fully in, fully understanding. That makes it so much more difficult.”

For what it’s worth, Brentford are boosted by a fresh scalp themselves, having defeated the champions, Liverpool, 3-2 at the G-Tech Stadium.

Artell explained that their League Cup game against the Bees will be a major test for his side.

“Brentford are a well-established team. They’ve appointed from within to continue the work that the previous manager did, and I think everyone would suggest that Keith Andrews is doing a brilliant job and he’s taking them on.”

Grimsby Town keen to continue their magical journey in the Carabao Cup

The Mariners are the lowest-ranked side in the League Cup and have killed giants of varying degrees in the first three rounds.

A win against Brentford on Tuesday night will put Grimsby Town into the quarter-finals of the cup. With at least one more Championship side guaranteed in the quarters, Grimsby have a real chance of doing the unthinkable if they can cause another upset at home to Brentford.

The likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and defending champions, Newcastle United still remain in the cup. However, as long as Grimsby keep getting home draws, they will feel they have a chance against just about anyone.

It’s been 34 years since a team outside the top division of England won the League Cup. Could Grimsby Town do the impossible?