Society
Manchester United Pull Out Of EFL Trophy, National League Cup
Manchester United have opted against entering both the EFL Trophy and National League Cup for the 2026-2027 season as the club reshapes their youth football programme.
The decision has been driven by a return to the UEFA Youth League following the senior team’s qualification for the Champions League, coupled with a smaller-than-usual group of players in the professional development phase who are progressing between the Under-18 and Under-21 squads.
United were late entrants to the EFL Trophy, joining the competition in 2019 after it was opened to Premier League academies in a controversial 2016 overhaul that allowed 16 youth teams to participate.
The move marks a significant change in approach for the club’s academy structure. As recently as November 2024, then Under-21 coach Travis Binnion described the EFL Trophy as one of the sources of the academy’s “best games”.
However, United’s youngsters struggled to make an impact in both competitions last season.
They failed to progress beyond the group stage of the EFL Trophy and were also knocked out during the league phase of the National League Cup.
The club played 10 matches across the two tournaments before Christmas. By comparison, they are guaranteed at least eight fixtures in the UEFA Youth League, which is reserved for Under-19 sides competing alongside clubs involved in the Champions League.
United will continue their participation in the Premier League Under-21 International Cup. Last season’s campaign ended in the quarter-finals after a defeat to Real Madrid at Old Trafford.
Club officials have indicated that a decision on the academy’s competition schedule for the 2027-2028 season will be made at a later date.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with Adam Lawrence over a contract extension as Under-21 manager.
Lawrence returned to Old Trafford after a brief spell at Newcastle United, replacing Binnion following his promotion to the senior coaching set-up. Binnion’s move has since been formalised after Michael Carrick signed a two-year contract as part of United’s first-team staff.
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