Doncaster Rovers, Rotherham United and Lincoln City are to provide the opposition after United were the last club to come out of the hat during the draw, which was made live on Talksport.
The Reds, who are fielding a primarily Under-21 team, will play all three group games away from home as the 'invited team' in the pool.
Neil Wood is in charge of the team, with Quinton Fortune assisting and Head of Academy Nicky Butt overseeing things.
EFL TROPHY NORTHERN DRAW
Group A: Grimsby Town, Scunthorpe United, Sunderland, Leicester City.