Academy Briefing: Adam Lawrence to depart

ADAM LAWRENCE TO DEPART UNITED

Adam Lawrence, Manchester United Under-18s Lead Coach, will leave his role at the end of this season as he seeks a new challenge elsewhere in the game.

Having originally joined the club as Under-16s Lead Coach in 2021, Lawrence has enjoyed an outstanding two years with United’s Under-18s squad, earning excellent results while prioritising the individual development of each player. 

United lifted three pieces of silverware in the 2023/24 campaign and only fine margins have separated the group from replicating that success again this season. Results only tell part of the story for any Academy coach, of course. The daily work that goes often unseen is what truly makes a footballer, and Adam has proudly assisted the development of players across the age group. Seven Academy graduates have made their debuts since Adam began working in the Professional Development Phase (U17-U21).

The process to appoint a new Lead Coach is under way and will conclude ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Nick Cox, Director of Academy, said: “Adam has contributed greatly to our club throughout his four years at Manchester United. His passion for helping young players to maximise their potential has played an important role in the success of our Academy system.

“We take great pride in supporting and witnessing the development of our staff, Adam is a fine example of that, moving up from the Under-16s to the Under-18s, enjoying success and now being ready to seek a new challenge in the game.

“The whole of the Academy thanks Adam for his service and wishes him the very best of luck for the future”

Adam Lawrence said: “It has been a privilege to work for Manchester United. It has been a very special few years with this group; I’ve been fortunate to work with many of this season’s Under-18s right through from the Under-16s level and witness their growth as people as well as players. 

“During the last two years, all the staff across the Professional Development Phase can be very proud of the work we have done to support the players. The style of play, the focus on individual development and the culture of the Academy that we have supported; it has been a real privilege to play my part in helping the group. 

“I’m now ready for the next challenge but I’ll always cherish the memories made at this great club and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the players I’ve had the pleasure of working with.”

UNDER-18s WITH RECORD-SETTING TALLY

Lawrence’s U18s came from behind and then coped with a one-man disadvantage due to injury while defeating Sunderland 3-1 at home to round off a positive season.

“It was one of those games that had everything in it,” Lawrence reviewed.

“Sunderland started brighter and deservedly went ahead but as the half went on, we got to grips with it and got the control.

“We’ve played 20 minutes with 10 men there. It’s really hot, against a good side, so it’s not easy. And we’ve scored in that situation as well, Vic kept his composure and finished, so it had a bit of everything in there, really good learning for the players in the last league games of the season.”

Unlike the vast majority of games this season, which have had something directly riding on them, this fixture would not determine United’s position in the league. Lawrence was pleased with the commitment of his players in such a scenario.

“That stuff [desire] is ingrained in them in terms of their behaviours,” he said.

“It shouldn’t be like a tap you can turn on and off, if you’ve got that winning mentality, you should be like that regardless. But for the lads to perform like this today — and against Stoke last week in the same situation — says a lot about their character.

“We’re not here to build teams, we’re more excited about the individuals and the development that they show and we feel we’re in a good place."

UNDER-21s KNOCKED OUT AT SEMI-FINALS

Our U21s were beaten 2-0 in the Premier League 2 play-off semi-finals on Friday night.

The young Reds went behind 66 minutes in at the Joie Stadium, when Manchester City’s Divin Mubama headed into the bottom right corner.

United pushed for an equaliser in an even and fast-paced game, but couldn’t overturn the one-goal deficit. Instead, Mubama's clever 90th-minute back-heel doubled the hosts' advantage, securing City's spot in the PL2 final.

Travis Binnion’s side had finished fifth in the regular season before knock-out victories over West Ham and Everton at Leigh Sports Village.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

The players involved in both the U18s and U21s — who make up the Professional Development Phase (U17-U21) will continue training until the end of the month. As they have done all season, this group of players will provide essential support to Ruben Amorim’s senior squad.

“The whole group will carry on training to support the first team and make sure that whatever they need is in place,” Binnion said.

“There’s a lot of stuff going on, some boys exiting the programme will go and visit clubs elsewhere. There’s two-and-a-half weeks where there’s things we can go after, individuals can take opportunities.

“Obviously we also have the post-season tour. Things can change with that right up until the last minute by nature of injuries or international call-ups. Some of the lads will be on the plane for that.

“Whenever you’re playing for the first-team in whatever scenario or fixture, eyes are on you. The boys want those opportunities and they’ll need to take them.”

Lawrence added: “We’ve got a friendly against Stockport next Saturday which will be really good. We’ll still be focused around the players’ individual development, so nothing will change in terms of the expectations on the players during the week.

“Naturally, it’ll also be a really good time for the staff to reflect on the season and the details of the programme, and it’ll be similar for the players. We’ll be encouraging them to reflect on what they think has gone well and what needs focus next year. But on the whole, working with the players and the staff, they’ve been an amazing group of players to work with. So many good memories, games, training sessions, and they’ve made a really special environment.”

UNDER-15s WIN NATIONAL FINAL

Congratulations to our U15s, who triumphed 3-1 over Chelsea at Leigh Sports Village on Friday evening to lift the Premier League Floodlit Cup national crown. They had previously defeated Manchester City — 4-3 after extra-time, away from home — in the northern final.

Well done also to our U13s, who reached the Premier League Super Cup national final with a northern triumph over Newcastle. While the young Reds were beaten by Arsenal at the last, it's a fine achievement.

FIRST-TEAM INVOLVEMENT

Seven Academy graduates were in Ruben Amorim’s squad, helping the Reds to qualify for the UEFA Europa League final. On Sunday, Harry Amass made his fifth Premier League appearance for the club. Well done to all those involved at this crucial stage of the season, including those training regularly with Amorim’s set-up.

NICK COX’S LATEST COLUMN

Read insight into Tyler Fredricson’s journey to a first-team debut and much more in the latest ‘Inside the Academy’ column.