Manchester United U18 coach Neil Ryan says the club is delighted to be part of the EFL Trophy.

A first entry into the competition has proved hugely beneficial and the Reds have already qualified for the knockout stages with three wins out of three - against Rotherham United, Lincoln City and Doncaster Rovers.

“It's been brilliant," enthused Ryan to manutd.com. “A number of the Under-18s have been involved with Neil Wood and Nicky Butt and it's been fantastic to see them step up. "

"They're in stadiums, with crowds, and are at full stretch. Reece Devine, Anthony Elanga and Teden Mengi have been playing against some first-team players and it's a real assimilation of a first-team environment. We want to test them and it can be easier on a Saturday morning at a training ground.

“These games are under floodlights, in a pressured environment and it's a real challenge to see if they can cope."