Manchester United begin their 2023/24 EFL Trophy campaign against Stockport County on Tuesday night. The competition is open to every club in divisions three and four of the English football pyramid and they compete against 16 academy teams from Premier League and Championship clubs consisting of Under-21 players.
United's U21s reached the Round of 16 of the EFL Trophy, which was formerly named the Papa John's Trophy, last term after they won their group ahead of Barrow, Carlisle United and Fleetwood Town.
It's understood the Reds' games in the EFL trophy are used to give 'elite young players' the platform to perform against higher opposition in a more pressured environment, which is helpful in preparing them to play for the first team.
Travis Binnion will start a strong team tonight and Teden Mengi, Dan Gore and Hannibal Mejbri are expected to play. Follow the blog below for live updates from Edgeley Park. It's not every day you stroll around Salford Quays to find Manchester United legend Nicky Butt working in an ice cream van.