What is the EFL Trophy? Rules, key dates and players available to Manchester United U21s

Manchester United U21s are primed and ready to kick-off their EFL Trophy charge as the next generation strive to make their mark against senior opposition in order to boost their development.

Stockport County are first up on Tuesday night. Here are key details you need to know for the 2023/2024 competition as players - young and old - set their sights on a Wembley date;

How do EFL Trophy group-stage matches work?

With four teams drawn in each group, the 64 clubs involved have been split into eight North and South sections. Sides play each other once, with group-stage fixtures taking place between August and November.

Similarly to the most round robin formats, there are three points on offer to match winners and one each as a starting point for a drawn game. However, if the scores are level after 90 minutes, teams then play for a bonus point which is awarded to the winner of a penalty shootout.

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Who will Manchester United play against this season?

Current holders Bolton Wanderers, Salford City and Stockport have been drawn alongside United for this season. United - who are one of 16 invited clubs fielding U21 sides - have been pitted in Group E (North) while the top two progress into knockout stages with North and South qualifiers.

United get their charge underway against Stockport at Edgeley Park on Tuesday, August 22 (7.30pm). Matches vs Bolton and Class of 92-owned Salford (both away) have been noted down for Tuesday, September 26 (7.45pm) and Tuesday, October 31 (7.30pm) respectively.

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