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Manchester United have confirmed their withdrawal from both the EFL Trophy and the National League Cup for the upcoming 2026–27 campaign.

The decision follows the club’s re-entry into the Uefa Youth League, made possible by the senior squad’s qualification for next season’s Champions League.

According to reports from the Press Association, United plan to streamline their professional development phase group next season, focusing on a smaller pool of players.

This group, consisting of those progressing between the under-18 and under-21 levels, will receive enhanced attention on individual growth and technical development.

In the previous season, Manchester United failed to advance past the group stage of the EFL Trophy, finishing third, and were eliminated from the National League Cup during the league phase.

Michael Carrick, who led United’s senior side back into the Champions League, was instrumental in their late-season resurgence after a difficult start under Ruben Amorim earlier in the campaign.

While the EFL Trophy and National League Cup accounted for 10 matches in the first half of last season, the Uefa Youth League — a competition for under-19 players — will ensure United play at least eight fixtures this time.

The club will continue to feature in the Premier League International Cup, where they reached the quarter-finals last season before being knocked out by Real Madrid.

Manchester United are expected to review their decision to opt out of the EFL Trophy and National League Cup before the 2027–28 season.

It is shaping up to be a crucial year for the senior team, who ended the last campaign strongly under Michael Carrick after early exits from both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. They were eliminated by League Two side Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup and later by Brighton in the FA Cup.

Despite those cup setbacks, United’s lighter fixture list appeared to work in their favour, helping them secure a third-place Premier League finish behind champions Arsenal and runners-up Manchester City.

Next season, their return to European competition will bring a far more demanding schedule, and the club may require greater squad depth to contend on multiple fronts.

As of now, United have not completed any summer signings, though they are reportedly close to acquiring Atalanta midfielder Ederson. They have also been linked with Dutch winger Crysencio Summerville following West Ham United’s relegation.