Manchester United Decline Invitation for EFL Trophy and National League Cup

Manchester United has confirmed that its academy sides will not participate in either the EFL Trophy or the National League Cup during the 2026-27 season.

Club sources have indicated that the decision has been influenced by a combination of factors, including the academy’s return to the UEFA Youth League following the first team's qualification for the UEFA Champions League, as well as a smaller-than-usual professional development squad bridging the gap between the under-18 and under-21 age groups.

Manchester United only joined the EFL Trophy in 2019, three years after the competition was expanded to include academy teams from Premier League clubs. The format change was initially met with significant opposition when it was introduced in 2016.

Despite previous support for the competition within the club’s academy structure, United endured a difficult campaign in both tournaments last season. The under-21 side failed to progress beyond the group stage of the EFL Trophy and was also eliminated during the league phase of the National League Cup.

Across both competitions, United played 10 fixtures before Christmas. By contrast, the club is expected to play at least eight matches in the UEFA Youth League next season, providing additional high-level development opportunities for its academy players.

The academy programme will also continue to include participation in the Premier League International Cup. Last season, Manchester United reached the quarter-finals before being defeated by Real Madrid at Old Trafford.

Club officials have stated that a decision regarding participation in youth competitions for the 2027-28 season will be made at a later date.

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with Adam Lawrence regarding an extension to his role as under-21 manager.

Lawrence returned to Manchester United after a brief spell with Newcastle United, following the promotion of former under-21 coach Travis Binnion into the senior set-up. Binnion’s move has since been formalised as part of Michael Carrick’s first-team coaching structure under a new two-year agreement.