Manchester United U21s coach Travis Binnion is relishing tonight’s clash with Wanderers and insists the Whites will be “at the top of League One” this season.

United are aiming to build on their 1-1 draw against Stockport in the opener, clinching a bonus point after beating the Hatters on penalties at Edgeley Park.

They have a busy period coming up, with six games in 19 days against the likes of Arsenal and Bayern Munich’s youngsters, but Binnion reckons tonight’s fixture will be the toughest of the lot.

“It’s a fantastic learning curve for the boys and the games offer a really different challenge, each one,” he told the club website.

“We’re excited about this Bolton game. It’ll be the toughest game of those six, no doubt.

“Bolton are a great, well-coached side who’ll be at the top of League One. They’ll ask a lot of questions of us.”

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.

After the game, Binnion explained: “Competitions like this are the best learning experiences for our players.

“The lads have got to look at themselves and think, ‘Where can I do better? Could I get into their team? What would I need to do to get into their team?’

“I always think that’s a good start - looking at themselves and making sure that they improve so that if we played Bolton again, we would fare a lot better and our players would be much further on in their journeys.”

The Whites ran out 3-0 winners against Salford in their opener this season, with Carlos Mendes Gomes, Ricardo Santos and Morley all getting on the scoresheet.

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