Manchester United’s Under-21 performance in the Papa John Trophy has been well received.
Their results have offered some much-needed respite from their torrid time in Premier League 2 Division 1 (via The Athletic).
How the EFL Trophy works
Sponsored by American pizza giant Papa Johns, the EFL Trophy consists of clubs from League One and League Two, plus 16 Under-21 teams from the Premier League’s Category 1 academies.
The competition features 16 regional groups of four who play three games before advancing to the knockout stages.
If a match is undecided in regulation time, it is left for a penalty shootout.
On April 2, Wembley will be the scene of the final.
a difficult season
Six draws and three defeats are the stories of young United’s disappointing league campaign.
He is a far cry from his flourishing form in the EFL Trophy. The Under-21s topped their group after sweeping Barrow and Carlisle out of League Two.
Consensus touts United’s approach to squad selection as the key driver of their EFL Trophy success.
A promising future
The EFL Trophy is fertile ground for testing the mettle and development of coaches and players.
Travis Binnion, head of player development and training, said: “We have a swirl of staff, so we decided at the start of the season that this would be the staffing for Premier League 2, under 18s, under 17s ,Premier League. Cup (another competition for under-21 teams) and the EFL Trophy.”
Binnion went on to confirm his expectations and confidence in the process, saying: “We knew what we were preparing for in Premier League 2.”
“We knew we were going to be young (for that level). It is a good league with good players. We are improving”.
The fruits of Manchester United’s approach have been a real treat for supporters with a long-term vision for the club.
The new crop of talent has proven that they can perform on the big stage.
The future is promising.
