Manchester United and Liverpool will field their Under-21 sides in the EFL Trophy for the first time next season. United and Liverpool’s Under-21 sides are the latest Category One Academy teams to take part, forming part of the 16 invited teams that will join the 48 League One and League Two clubs in the competition. Involvement in the EFL Trophy will help United fill the void left by their absence from the UEFA Youth League, with the failure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side to reach the Champions League meaning they missed out. READ MORE Robbie Keane joins coaching staff at Championship club; will keep role with IrelandNicky Butt, the club’s head of academy, said: “We are looking forward to being involved in the EFL Trophy next season. “The competition provides a range of experiences that will act as the ideal platform for the development of our homegrown talent.

Source: Irish Examiner June 14, 2019 12:45 UTC