Manchester United have reportedly turned down the chance to appeal the decision to fine, rather than expel, Grimsby Town from the EFL Cup, after it was revealed the League Two outfit fielded an ineligible player in their penalty shoot-out win last week.
The Mariners progressed 12-11 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw, but it later emerged that Clarke Odour, who came on in the 73rd minute of the game at Blundell Park, had not been registered to play in time.
His registration following his loan move from Bradford the previous day had been submitted a minute past the midday cut-off point. The error was self-reported by Grimsby to the EFL upon discovery the day after the fixture had been played.
The EFL opted to issue a £20,000 fine – of which £10,000 is suspended – rather than kick David Artell’s side out of the competition.
United had the opportunity to appeal the EFL’s decision, and were given five days to do so from Monday.
A successful appeal could have potentially resulted in United being given a reprieve and seen Ruben Amorim’s men reinstated in the third round, where they would meet Grimsby’s opponents, Sheffield Wednesday.
However, it is believed the Red Devils will not challenge the decision or seek further punishment, and will instead turn their attention to league and FA Cup matters.
United picked up their first win of the Premier League season on Saturday after Bruno Fernandes’ 97th-minute penalty gave them a 3-2 win victory over newly promoted Burnley at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s team are next in action after the international break, when they will travel the short distance across town to play fierce rivals Manchester City at the Etihad on 14 September.
