Grimsby Town manager David Artell has dismissed speculation that Manchester United could demand a replay of their dramatic Carabao Cup clash, insisting nothing can overshadow his team’s performance.
The League Two side was fined earlier this week after admitting to fielding an ineligible player in the fixture. Despite the controversy, the Mariners advanced to the third round after a thrilling 12-11 penalty shoot-out victory over United.
Addressing the issue on Friday, Artell stood firm on the legitimacy of his team’s achievement.
“We were the better team for 70 minutes or for 75 minutes,” Artell said.
“We should have been 3-0 regardless of everything else that has gone off since, and I am extremely proud of the performance of the players, all of the players.
I thought we deserved to win the game.
What happens surrounding that isn’t in my domain (to say) but, like I say, nobody can take away the performance of the players and the manner of the victory, certainly not in my eyes anyway.
What happened was unfortunate, we owned up, made a statement, let everyone know and we move on.”
Grimsby have already booked their place in the next round of the competition, with Artell making it clear the Mariners are focused on the challenges ahead.
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