Man Utd will not play in the EFL Trophy or National League Cup in 2026-27

Manchester United have decided not to enter the EFL Trophy or the National League Cup for the 2026-27 campaign.

United sources say the decision was made due to a combination of returning to the UEFA Youth League after the senior team’s qualification for the Champions League and players moving between the Under-18 and Under-21 teams running a slightly smaller than normal professional development phase group.

The club only entered the EFL Trophy in 2019, later than most Premier League clubs, in 2016 the competition was revamped amid strong opposition to allow 16 academies to enter.

As recently as November 2024, Under-21 coach Travis Binion, who has since moved into Michael Carrick’s senior set-up, said the competition had produced some “great games”.

Although United could not leave the group stage last season. They also withdrew from the league section of the National League Cup.

United played 10 matches in both competitions, all before Christmas. They will play at least eight in the Youth League, which is for under-19 teams.

The club will also continue to play in the Premier League Under-21 International Cup. Last season they reached the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by Real Madrid at Old Trafford.

United officials say they will decide on their 2027-28 Youth Games program at a later stage.

Meanwhile, talks are underway with Adam Lawrence to extend his tenure as Under-21 manager.

Lawrence returned to United – after a brief move to Newcastle – following Binion’s promotion to the senior position, which has now been cemented following Carrick’s appointment on a two-year deal.