Manchester United's U21s side will play in next season's Checkatrade Trophy, the EFL have confirmed on Friday.
The top 16 teams in England with Category One Academy status are invited to take part in the tournament alongside the 48 teams from League One and Two.
Liverpool are also debutants in the competition this year and will be joined by Man City Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham as the Premier League's top six feature all play in the tournament for the first time.
There's also the possibility that United could compete in some local rivals with the Class of 92's Salford City, Oldham Athletic, Bury and Bolton Wanderers all in the competition.
"We are looking forward to being involved in the EFL Trophy next season," United's head of academy, Nicky Butt told ManUtd.com.
The competition provides a range of experiences that will act as the ideal platform for the development of our homegrown talent.
"We are always looking to be innovative in order to find the best development path for our young players; the opportunity to face senior opponents will benefit them greatly"
The draw for the group stage will be held in July, with the first round of fixtures set to take place the week commencing September 2.
League One side Portsmouth are the current holders of the trophy.
FL Executive Chair, Debbie Jevans, said: “The EFL Trophy continues to grow and we are delighted to welcome Liverpool and Manchester United U21s to the competition.
“The recent feedback received from Clubs and coaches has been very positive with the current format continuing to offer greater revenue for our Clubs and competitive first team football for young talent.”
The full list of invited sides are: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Leicester, Liverpool, City, United, Newcastle, Norwich, Southampton, Tottenham, West Ham, Wolves.
