No official word from Man U, but it seems unlikely that Premier League will seek Carabao Cup replay

                                        

IT seems  unlikely that Manchester United FC will seek a replay with Grimsby Town FC after it emerged that the Mariners fielded an ineligible player on their way to last Wednesday's  shock Carabao Cup victory  at Blundell Park.

Alternatively, Man U could also ask to be awarded a place in the next round (away at Sheffield Wednesday) after Town's inadvertent breach of the competition's regulations.

Instead, the English Football League fined Town £20,000, with £10,000 of that amount suspended until the end of the current season.

Manchester United FC have not yet commented on their official website, but there has been speculative comment in the Manchester Evening News newspaper.

One reader wrote: "Grimsby should be dumped out immediately. There are rules in place for a reason. I would expect it to happen to United if they had fielded a player not eligible."

Agreed another: "You can be certain had it been the other way around and United had  fielded an ineligible player the Press and every fan of football would be clambering for United to be chucked out and Grimsby put in their place."

A third wrote: "I not not a Utd fan, but rules are there for a reason. Break them and there will be consequences. It is the only way that clubs will learn."

It is arguable that a replay might suit Town more than United. They would be assured of another money-spinning fixture with every possibility of repeating the heroics of last week.  

But most Manchester Evening News readers  seem content to overlook the breach and move on

One wrote: "For goodness sake! Appealing? Have some  self-respect ."

Another chipped in: "Not only did Grimsby fully deserve their victory on the night, but the player who was not eligible came on as a sub and  actually missed his penalty in the shoot-out, so he hardly influenced the result. Good luck against Sheffield Wednesday in the next round, Grimsby."

Said a third reader: "The last thing we need is a replay against Grimsby - one banana skin was enough thank you very much!"

An 'Legionnaire' commented: "We were outplayed for 70 minutes, Grimsby were the better team on the night and we deserved to go out. I wish Grimsby good luck in the next round. If we have any integrity and morals we will not even consider an appeal."

The most surprising suggestion was from a reader called 'Polly22' who urged: "Pay the fine for them, United. Show what a classy club you are!"