Salford to face United in Trophy group clash

UNITED Under-21s will play Salford City in the EFL Trophy after the two clubs were drawn in the same group.

The group stage tie will be full of storylines, with the Ammies partowned by United’s Class of ‘92 academy graduates Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.

Together with Singaporean billionaire Peter Lim they have funded the Ammies’ rise in to the EFL and a first competitive meeting with any United side will be another milestone on their remarkable journey.

As one of 16 academy sides taking part in the EFL Trophy, the Reds were drawn into a group alongside three EFL sides and they will play all fixtures away from home. Also in Group B are near neighbours Rochdale and Morecambe.

United took part in the EFL Trophy for the first time last season, when Neil Wood’s side topped the group with three impressive victories against Rotherham, Lincoln and Doncaster, before losing 3-2 at Tranmere in the second round.

Wood felt the competition turned into a positive experience for his side, allowing the club’s youngsters to experience competitive football against battle-hardened EFL sides.

“I think the EFL Trophy was excellent last year. A real highlight of the season,” said Wood. “When I look back, the memory that sticks in my mind is the Rotherham game.

“I can remember the first goal as Brandon [Williams] plays in Ethan [Laird], and he scores the first goal and just all the fans cheering and the lads celebrating.

“I look back at the video and we played some really good football that night. I think we dominated the game, to be honest, and had chances where we didn’t even score but they were great bits of play.

“As the season goes on, you see Rotherham in second spot in the league and start to think our group of players gave a good account of themselves, came out on top and played really well. It’s a real good memory.”

City’s Under-21s, meanwhile, have been drawn in the same group as Mansfield Town, Lincoln City and Scunthorpe United.

Oldham face Wolves Under-21s, Bradford City and Doncaster, while Bolton are in with Newcastle Under-21s, Crewe and Shrewsbury.

Wigan face Liverpool Under-21s, Port Vale and Tranmere.

■ ROCHDALE will begin the new season at home to Championship Huddersfield Town in the first round of the Carabao Cup on September 5.

Salford City host Rotherham while Oldham are at home to Carlisle United for Harry Kewell’s first game.

Bolton welcome Bradford City, and Wigan travel to Fleetwood.