Carabao Cup second round draw set for August 13

Man United start their League Cup campaign in the second round because there is no European football this season, increasing the importance of an early cup win.

Manchester United enter Carabao Cup second round amid European absence

Manchester United will enter the Carabao Cup at the second round this season because there is no European football at Old Trafford. Teams that compete in Europe begin in the third round, so United must win a second round tie to reach round three. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur join the competition in round three. United won the Carabao Cup during Erik ten Hag's first season, beating Newcastle 2-0 in the final, but they were knocked out in the following seasons before exiting at the quarter-final stage last term.

The second round draw will take place on Wednesday, August 13 and will be conducted during Sky Sports' build‑up to Birmingham vs Sheffield United, likely around 7pm.

The cup format shows how European status reshapes early rounds. With no European football this season, United faces an extra hurdle at the second round, turning a routine entry into a test of depth and momentum. The setup also reflects a broader pattern where big clubs enter later, making the cup path a sharper gauge of squad resilience.

If United can convert the extra match into a confident start, it could set a positive tone for a season with a tighter schedule. The League Cup remains a proving ground for squad players and managerial ideas, not just a route to silverware.

Highlights

The Cup path will test United's depth and planning as the season unfolds.