Manchester United Under-21s are aiming to build on a promising start to their EFL Trophy group stage.

The youngsters drew 1-1 against Stockport in their opening fixture last month before clinching a bonus point after winning 5-3 on penalties at Edgeley Park.

United had gone in front through Joe Hugill midway through the second half, tapping home after his initial penalty was saved, bit Stockport levelled 13 minutes from time with a spot kick of their own.

Charlie McNeill, Shola Shoretire, James Nolan, Ethan Williams and Ethan Wheatley all scored in the shootout, while Elyh Harrison saved from Ryan Rydel.

After the game, Under-21s lead coach Travis Binnion hailed the “character” in the side despite playing against more experienced opposition.

“To concede really late, concede a penalty, and then to go and win a penalty shoot-out shows great character and belief,” said Binnion.

“And we showed quality with the penalties, too. To win in front of our fans and get the extra point is the least we deserved.”

He continued: “Over the course of the night, we deserved to win the game. The first half was very even. When Stockport changed shape, we didn’t deal with it very well.

“But in the second half, I thought we were a far better side, although we still need to do more at the top end of the pitch.

“If we killed the game off when Stockport were down to 10 men, it would have been a really good night. At 1-0, there is always a chance when they are loading the box up which is something we don’t experience very often.

“We needed the second goal and I think we deserved it with our play. But overall, the character they showed was great.”

Wanderers faced United’s youngsters in the round of 16 last season, recording a 4-0 victory thanks to goals from Dapo Afolayan, Aaron Morley, Amadou Bakayoko and Conor Bradley.

The Whites also beat Portsmouth and Accrington in the knockout rounds before overcoming Plymouth in the Wembley final in front of more nearly 80,000 supporters.