Manchester United have decided not to participate in the EFL Trophy and National League Cup during the 2026-27 season as part of changes to the club’s youth development programme.
The move comes after the club secured a return to the UEFA Youth League through qualification for the Champions League and due to a smaller group of players transitioning between the Under-18 and Under-21 teams.
United joined the EFL Trophy in 2019 after the competition was expanded to include Premier League academy sides. However, the club’s youngsters struggled in both tournaments last season, failing to progress beyond the group stages.
With at least eight matches guaranteed in the UEFA Youth League, club officials have opted to focus on other development pathways, while retaining participation in the Premier League Under-21 International Cup.
A decision on the academy’s competition schedule for the 2027-28 season will be made later. Meanwhile, talks are ongoing over a contract extension for Under-21 manager Adam Lawrence.
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