Why Manchester United and Man City cannot meet in Carabao Cup draw after drastic rule change

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Manchester United and Manchester City are unable to meet in the Carabao Cup third round after a change in rules. Clubs competing in Europe cannot face each other in Wednesday's draw due to the packed calendar.

The third round of the Carabao Cup will take place over two midweeks due to the extended European group stages affecting the calendar, which means that no Champions League clubs (City, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa) can face Europa League sides (United and Tottenham) in the draw.

United will play their third round tie in the week commencing September 16. The Reds will face Crystal Palace in the league on September 21 and are set to play their opening Europa League game on September 26. ALSO READ: Ten Hag's transfer priority laid bare ALSO READ: United lost to a club with a better plan City are in the Champions League and will play their first game in that competition on September 17 or September 18.

They will face Arsenal in the Premier League on September 22 and play their Carabao Cup tie week commencing September 23. The draw for the third round will take place after Nottingham Forest's game against Newcastle at the City Ground on Wednesday.