Despite already being mathematically eliminated, the future of Manchester United will head to the Peninsula and face what is likely to be a much changed Ammies side as the curtain falls on a difficult yet disappointing group stage.
Having been drawn in an incredibly competitive Northern Group E alongside, League 2 table toppers Stockport County, League 1 Bolton who are chasing promotion to the Championship and Manchester United’s star-studded Under 21’s side.
The United side that will face the Ammies boasts a resume of producing talents including Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in recent years so it will certainly be an opportunity to catch a glimpse of some of the ‘next big things’ waiting in the wings at the European giants.
With defeats against Stockport and Bolton in previous fixtures Neil Wood’s side find themselves mathematically unable to qualify for the next round so changes are expected with tonight being a great opportunity for the younger Ammies to test themselves against a strong youth side that could potentially include players with first team experience such as Maxi Oyedele and Alvaro Fernandez.
With Kelly N’Mai and Marcus Dackers finding first team minutes more regularly this campaign it is likely that both will be involved, however how much Neil Wood can rotate is restricted by the ‘Full Available Strength’ rule that is in place during the EFL trophy.
Looking to end our @TheEFLTrophy campaign with a 𝐖 🏆#SALMUN || @salboyltd pic.twitter.com/UzJd02ZV3p
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) October 31, 2023
It states that at least four of the outfield ten that start the game must fall into one of the below:
– Must have started the immediately preceding first team fixture
– Subsequently start the immediately following first team fixture
– Be in the list of the ten players at the club with the highest number of first team starting appearances
– A loanee from a Premier League club or any EFL club operating a Category One Academy
Manchester United’s young guns come into this fixture following a very positive result at the weekend, with an Ethan Williams stoppage time equaliser earning them a point against third placed Premier League 2 (PL2) side Fulham. The Red Devils themselves sit 15th in the PL2 but have won just one of their previous five outings in all competitions.
The game also holds further significance for Salford City boss Neil Wood, who before taking up the job a the Peninsula in May 2022 was himself the manager of Manchester United’s under 21 side and worked to create and nurture the previously mentioned Garnacho.
After winning the trophy in 2020 at Wembley Stadium, this cup campaign has been a let down for Ammies supporters who will be hoping their side bow out with a win tonight and gain further confidence ahead of a testing trip to League One Peterborough in the FA Cup at the weekend.
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