Man Utd's Young Guns Face Barnsley Test in EFL Trophy Opener

Manchester United's Under-21s are set to embark on their 2024/25 EFL Trophy campaign with a trip to Oakwell to face Barnsley on Tuesday night. Last season, the young Reds found themselves drawn against Bolton Wanderers, Salford City, and Stockport County in the competition, ultimately securing just two points from their group stage matches.

Despite narrowly missing out on a place in the knockout rounds, Under-21s head coach Travis Binnion believes there are valuable lessons to be learned from last season's experience, which will benefit the squad as they prepare for the new campaign.

"It's likely that around a third or half of the players who featured in last season's matches against Salford might be involved on Tuesday night," Binnion revealed. "We hope those lads have a better grasp of what to expect and can use their experience to help their teammates or demonstrate the maturity they've developed through their own performances."

Binnion highlighted the importance of the EFL Trophy in the development of young players, particularly those who haven't previously experienced the competition.

"We are looking for those players who have been involved before to show their leadership and guide those who haven't," he explained. "For the new players, this is a chance for them to prove themselves and adapt to a different type of opponent and game. We're seeking that kind of development from the whole group."

While the young Red Devils may have fallen short in last season's EFL Trophy, the experience proved invaluable in their overall development. The 2024/25 campaign presents a fresh opportunity for Binnion's squad to build on that experience and demonstrate their progress. The clash against Barnsley will provide a crucial test as they seek to make a positive start to their journey in the competition.