Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo (right) and goalkeeper Andre Onana (left) are expected to start the EFL Cup second round tie at Grimsby
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is convinced his side is better off without having a European campaign to distract them this season.
As a consequence of their 15th-placed Premier League finish and Europa League final defeat by Tottenham, United are missing out on Europe for only the second time since English clubs returned to Uefa competition after a five-year ban in 1990.
It means they must start their Carabao Cup campaign a round earlier than usual, with Wednesday's tie at League Two Grimsby their first meeting since 1948.
However, Amorim feels this is a minor issue compared to the free midweeks he will get to work with his players as the season progresses.
