Newcastle United discovered their opponents in the Carabao Cup third-round draw, which was delayed after Manchester United failed to overcome League Two outfit Grimsby Town.

But before addressing the outcome, let’s pause to laugh at Manchester United – especially considering Benjamin Sesko couldn’t finish his chances, while two other Newcastle-linked names, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, missed in the shootout, sending Grimsby into the hat for round three.

It feels as though Newcastle dodged transfer bullets this summer in true Neo-from-The Matrix style.

Both Manchester United and Sunderland will now be watching from the sidelines once the third-round ties take place.

When the draw was made, Newcastle’s ball was the final one picked from the European pot, which ensured they would be handed a home fixture – and that opponent turned out to be Bradford City.

Hosting a League One side at St James’ Park is about as favourable as it could have been for Eddie Howe’s team, although Grimsby proved this evening that upsets are always possible in knockout football.

Let’s just hope tonight’s laughter at our rivals doesn’t come back as karma in the coming weeks.

Following last season’s structure, this year’s Carabao Cup third-round matches will also be staged across two separate weeks – beginning September 15 and September 22 – with the Champions League scheduled for the week commencing September 15 and the Europa League set for the following week.

Because Newcastle are competing in the Champions League in mid-September, their Carabao Cup fixture has been placed in the week commencing September 22.

Fortunately, this awkward split of the round and staggered schedule will no longer apply from round four onwards, should Newcastle progress past Bradford.