Manchester United’s U21s will be entering a brand new competition next month which will pit 16 Premier League 2 clubs against 16 National League clubs.
The National League Cup will run on midweeks starting in October. Its aim, according to the National League, is to allow young stars in the Premier League and the EFL the opportunity to come up against senior opponents.
But how does the new competition work? MEN Sport has taken a look at how it shall work.
Who is involved?
As mentioned, the National League Cup shall consist of 16 teams from the Premier League 2 and 16 teams from the National League. The participating clubs are as follows.
Premier League 2 clubs
Blackburn Rovers, Brighton and Hove Albion, Fulham, Leeds United, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest, Reading, Southampton, Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, West Bromwich Albion, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers.
National League clubs
Aldershot Town, Altrincham, Boston United, Braintree Town, Dagenham and Redbridge, Ebbsfleet United, FC Halifax Town, Forest Green Rovers, Gateshead, Maidenhead United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Sutton United, Tamworth, Wealdstone, Woking.
What is the format?
The competition will consist of a group stage with four groups of eight teams. The two best-placed teams in each group will advance to a knockout stage to determine a winner.
What is the prize money?
The Premier League has provided a combined prize fund of £1m and the money shall only be dished out to National League clubs.
What the Premier League have said about it?
Chief football officer of the Premier League, Tony Scholes, said: “We’re excited to launch this new competition in partnership with the National League. The competition will provide additional opportunities for young players in the under 17-21 age groups to gain valuable experience of playing against first team opposition, something many of our current Premier League stars have experienced in their development.
“We’re pleased to be able to support in the operation of the competition and look forward to seeing the wider benefits it will bring to National League clubs.”
What the National League have said?
Mark Ives, general manager of the National League added: “This new competition presents another exciting chapter in our partnership with the Premier League. Our sides will have a great opportunity to compete against some of the best academy players in the country.
“We’re excited to be working closer with the Premier League on the operational side of the new competition and look forward to continuing our valued partnership further.”
When will games be held?
Group stage matches will be played on the following dates:
- October 1-2
- November 5-6
- December 3-4
- January 21-22
The knockout stages will be held on the following dates:
- Quarter-finals – February 5-6
- Semi-finals – March 11-12
- Final – April 1 or 2
Who will United face?
United have been drawn to face Oldham Athletic, Rochdale and Altrincham. They will also take on Forest Green Rovers in Group B.
The other Premier League 2 sides in Group B are; Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers however United will not come up against them in the group stages.