The Magpies’ Under-21s – as they will be known during the competition – are one of 16 Academy teams joining the 48 clubs from Leagues One and Two for next season’s instalment.

United will take on three teams from those two divisions during the group stage, the draw for which will take place in July. Again, each game will take place away from home.

Last time out, they got off to a winning start against Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road, with Liam Smith netting their first ever goal in the competition. However, they failed to get out of the Northern Section’s Group D after a narrow loss to Port Vale and a heavy defeat against Oldham Athletic.

As was the case last year, regionalisation will play a part until the quarter-final stage. All told, 12 Premier League clubs will be represented, including Arsenal, who will be making their debut.