'I've waited 77 years for United to return'

Jonathan Hall was 19 when he watched the previous encounter between Grimsby Town and Manchester United

A 96-year-old Grimsby Town fan is looking forward to a long-awaited meeting with Manchester United – 77 years after watching their previous encounter.

Jonathan Hall, who has been supporting the Mariners since World War II, had given up hope of seeing a rematch with the Red Devils during his lifetime.

But the former psychiatrist will be at Blundell Park later for a Carabao Cup tie which is being described by the club as a once-in-a-generation game.

"Even at my age I have this little tinge of excitement in the tummy. I'm excited and nostalgic, but extremely fortunate," said Dr Hall. "I shall make the most of it."

Fans of both clubs at a Grimsby United FC summer football school

"I shall feel the buzz," he added. "It wells up."

The Mariners were in the top flight when they last faced United in March 1948 – an encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw.

But they were relegated later that year and a further meeting with the three-time European champions had eluded them until a 3-1 win over Shrewsbury set up the second-round cup tie and sent the town into fever pitch.

Davie Cooper, 39, chairs Grimsby United FC, a children's football club run by volunteers at Sidney Park, close to the Mariners' ground.

"There's massive excitement," he said. "All the kids go to the games.

"We've got a club season ticket, which we distribute among the teams throughout the season. We even have some Manchester United fans as well."

Grimsby Town chief Polly Bancroft says it is an amazing time for the club

Grimsby Town are expecting about 9,000 fans at Blundell Park after tickets sold out within days.

The club increased prices by £3 per ticket and would not comment specifically on how much the game would be worth to them.

Polly Bancroft, the club's chief executive, said: "Demand far exceeds supply. We've been inundated.

"We really wanted to make sure we are looking after the core fan base and also recognising this is a commercial opportunity. Hopefully we've found the right balance."

Kapo works at G8 White Fish, one of the closest chip shops to Blundell Park

Local businesses also stand to benefit from an increased attendance at one of the biggest cup games in the history of the club.

Kapo works at G8 White Fish, on Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, which is just around the corner from the ground.

"I'm ecstatic. It's such a big game. It's good for the community," she said.

"We'll definitely be getting extra fish in, maybe double, but we need to be cautious as fish prices are very expensive.

"It's extra finance which makes up for the bad days."

Lucy Mobbs and Moira Tabois have enjoyed a busy few days in the club shop

Back at Blundell Park, in the club shop, staff members Lucy Mobbs, 46, and Moira Tabois, 74, say the tie has brought a massive buzz to the town.

"I've never seen us play Man United and I've always wanted that, so this will complete my set," said Ms Tabois. "It's the last one on the list.

"Already I can feel the goose bumps. It will be a dream come true."

And as for their score predictions? "We're going to win," insists Ms Mobbs. "You've got to believe that."

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