The Reds entered the inaugural edition of the League Cup, played in the 1960/61 season, but we were knocked out in the second round by third-tier Bradford City.
With a European place for the winner not guaranteed until later in the decade and compulsory entry only introduced in 1971, United, not alone out of the major clubs, did not take part in six of the next seven tournaments.
However, in 1970 the Reds beat Middlesbrough, Wrexham, Burnley and Derby County to reach our first League Cup semi-final – an all-Manchester affair against Joe Mercer’s City.
Unfortunately, we ended up losing that tie by the odd goal in seven, but there have been happier semi-final moments down the years, with Erik ten Hag aiming to secure a 10th United final in this tournament.