No Chelsea, Liverpool & Arsenal, But Why Are Manchester United Playing In the Carabao Cup Second Round? All Rules Explained

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Saurabh Saket | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 12:29 PM ET

Manchester United will kick off their Carabao Cup campaign later today as the side travels to Blundell Park to take on Grimsby Town in the second round of the competition. The English side has failed to deliver up to the expectations, with the Red Devils suffering a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, followed by a 1-1 draw against a much weaker Fulham.

Unlike their rivals, Ruben Amorim's men will have to take the long road in the Carabao Cup, with the team starting off the competition with the second round of fixtures. According to English Football Association rules,any Premier League club that isn't part of a European competition will have to compete in the Carabao Cup starting Round 2.

Clubs that have secured a place in European competitions earn a direct qualification for Round Three. Unlike Manchester United, the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Chelsea secured a place in the Champions League, finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

Tottenham, which won the Europa League, also punched a direct ticket to the competition, leaving Manchester United the only club from the big six English clubs that isn't part of any European competition this season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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