Grimsby: The "Ancestor" is a Nemesis of Manchester United, Zhang Enhua Once Made His Mark Here

Written by Han Bing Being eliminated from the League Cup by a League Two club is undoubtedly a disgrace for Manchester United, but when Grimsby supporters looked back at history, they could proudly show off to the Red Devils fans that in the previous ten meetings, the fishing port team had a commanding record of 5 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses.

Of course, the last time the two teams faced each other was 77 years ago. Unlike the current three-tier gap between them, during their last encounter in the 1947/48 season, Grimsby competed in England's top flight just like Manchester United. In October 1947, Grimsby defeated Manchester United 4-3 away in the first league leg and drew 1-1 at home in the return match, remaining unbeaten against the Red Devils that season. However, they finished 22nd and were relegated, never returning to the top division since.

Coincidentally, both Grimsby and Manchester United were founded in 1878, but their situations today are worlds apart. Grimsby, a fishing port known for catching black cod, has a club nickname "Mighty Mariner," not the spinach-eating sailor, but the British seafarer who goes fishing. Grimsby fans like to cheer holding 1-meter-long inflatable sticks shaped like black cod, which even bear the club badge. Ironically, the trend of using inflatable sticks to support teams was first started by Manchester United’s city rivals, Manchester City, in 1987. Thirty-eight years later, Manchester United was figuratively slapped in the face by an arena full of "inflatable fish"…

Of course, for Chinese football fans, the name Grimsby is closely linked to former national team defender Zhang Enhua. In November 2000, Zhang joined Grimsby on loan while they played in League One (the second tier). His loan spell ended in March 2001. Zhang made 17 appearances, scored 3 goals, was twice named Man of the Match, and was a key player in helping Grimsby avoid relegation. At the time, Grimsby fans called him "Super Zhang," reflecting his outstanding performance. After Zhang Enhua passed away in April 2021, Grimsby’s official social media accounts posted tributes in his memory.

The League Cup home game against Manchester United was Grimsby’s most important match in 77 years. Before the game, the club gave away 2,000 tickets to fans to create a better home atmosphere. Polly Bancroft, the club CEO and former head of Manchester United Women, said ticket demand far exceeded supply: "We were overwhelmed by an enormous number of ticket bookings…" As a result, Grimsby raised the retail ticket price by £3. Hundreds of fans queued up to buy physical tickets just to commemorate the greatest match in the club’s history.

John Hall, a 96-year-old veteran fan, watched the last Grimsby vs. Manchester United game 77 years ago. The former psychiatrist never expected to see the Red Devils play at home again in his lifetime. After Mbemo missed a penalty, Grimsby fans stormed the pitch to celebrate wildly, chasing the disappointed Mbemo and captain Bruno Fernandes to take close-up photos in celebration. After all, this was likely a once-in-a-lifetime miraculous memory.

Grimsby goalkeeper Pym was a Manchester United fan as a child and even played in the United youth academy. After the match, he admitted he was "a bit upset" because his beloved Red Devils lost: "But that’s what football is all about; it’s wonderful!" Warren, who scored, came through Manchester United’s youth and U23 teams but was released six years ago. For him, this was the best revenge match. Manchester United’s total wage bill (£182 million) is 96 times that of Grimsby (£1.9 million), with 20 players earning more individually than Grimsby’s entire squad combined. Sancho, soon to be released by Manchester United, earns in two months more than Grimsby’s whole team’s annual salary.

Moreover, Grimsby players are not full-time professionals like Manchester United’s squad. During the pandemic, some players worked part-time as pizza delivery drivers, cashiers, or stockers at local Tesco stores to supplement their income. While this historic victory is certainly joyous, the club still has regrets — the match was not held at the larger Old Trafford, where broadcast and ticket revenue shares would have been much higher, almost doubling the season’s income from these sources…