Sunderland's youngsters have been on an upward trajectory in recent years and are going from strength to strength this season.
The likes of Dan Neil, Jack Diamond and Anthony Patterson have been the standout figures for the Academy of Light set-up in the past year or so and there's plenty of others looking to follow suit.
One criticism of the club's previous owners was their inability to hold onto the Black Cats best young talent and they cashed in on the likes of Bali Mumba and Joe Hugill for meagre fees.
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However, under Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, there's been a much more focused effort on the academy set-up, and unlike previous managers, Lee Johnson isn't afraid to throw in the youngsters for cup competitions.
After winning the competition last year, Johnson has plans to use the Papa John's Trophy as an audition for some of the club's brightest young talents - and they've certainly not let him down so far.
The likes of Ellis Taylor have made the step-up to the First Team look easy, while others are chomping at the bit to seize their opportunity.
We've taken a look at some of the youngsters who could feature against Manchester United U21's in the EFL Trophy.
Ellis Taylor
Taylor was one of the surprise packages in pre-season for Johnson's side and at just 18-years-old, the Black Cats youngster will only get better.
The Hartlepool born attacking midfielder has shown glimpses of what he has in his locker when called upon and hasn't let himself down.
Taylor has an eye for goal and shown versatility when after being asked to play out of position, at left-back, against Tranmere Rovers in pre-season.
That move alone shows the faith that Johnson has in the youngster.
The game against Manchester United this week is likely to be another opportunity for Taylor to impress, after a run out in the last round against Lincoln City.
Stephen Wearne
Stephen Wearne got the winner for Sunderland in the last round against Lincoln City after coming off the bench.
The former Middlesbrough midfielder was one of the standout youngsters against Spennymoor Town, but wasn't called upon for any of the remaining pre-season fixtures.
It's clear that the attacking midfielder has talent, but he needs to find that level of consistency that can thrust him into Johnson's plans.
This weeks clash with the Red Devils could be another opportunity for him to showcase his ability.
Kenton Richardson
The former Hartlepool defender has been a surprise package this season.
His performances in pre-season ensured he was in the reckoning to start the campaign at right-back.
Unfortunately for Richardson, Johnson would utilise Carl Winchester at right-back, but the 22-year-old looks assured and solid at the back.
He didn't look out of place against a Tranmere Rovers side in pre-season and was given another chance to impress against Lincoln.
If Richardson impresses again, he could thrust himself into Johnson's plans if Winchester were to sustain an injury.
Ollie Younger
The former Burnley defender enjoyed an impressive breakthrough campaign last year and was handed a new contract this summer as a reward for his fine performances.
Johnson handed the 21-year-old his First Team league debut against Rochdale last year and featured in the EFL Trophy on a number of occasions last year.
Younger was part of the squad that made the EFL Trophy Final and was an unused substitute as Sunderland ended their Wembley hoodoo.
The centre-half started against the Imps and could be handed another chance to impress this week.
