Academy Briefing: An unforgettable European tie

The Under-19s’ lead coach also discussed the progress of summer arrival Sekou Kone (pictured above, with Jack Fletcher), how his team learned lessons across this two-legged tie and what’s in store in the next round as United take on AZ Alkmaar.

A MEMORABLE OCCASION

A group of United fans travelled over to Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, a fortnight ago to see the young Reds win 5-2 on the road. In the stands at the LFF Stadium, they were joined by a selection of local United fans, including those from the Official Supporters’ Club, soon to be celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Something similar was replicated at Leigh Sports Village on Wednesday night as a 6-0 victory confirmed United’s spot in the UEFA Youth League third round. A small assortment of travelling supporters from Lithuania had made the journey over to back Zalgiris, and some fans of the club living in the Greater Manchester area had also turned out.

United’s players and staff would like to thank the fans of both teams for making the two-legged tie a memorable occasion. Asked about the interaction with Zalgiris, Lawrence said:

“Amazing. Very good staff, very friendly, nice to speak to. The hospitality we got out there and the support we got from the fans in general and the way they made the game [means] the lads and the staff and everyone connected to it will never forget it.

“Huge congratulations to them for getting to this stage. And who knows, now we’ve been there once, we might end up back there again. Nothing but admiration and it’s been great getting to know them a bit more.”

LESSONS LEARNED FOR UNITED

Lawrence described United’s second-leg display as “really pleasing”. The Reds scored three goals in each half in a dominant performance. Ethan Williams, captain Tyler Fredricson and Ethan Wheatley netted before the break, with Gabriele Biancheri, Ashton Missin and James Scanlon capping off a fine evening. You can watch the goals below.

“After the first leg, we thought we’d go into this one knowing we’d dominate the ball and have large amounts of possession,” said Lawrence.

“But, as always, it’s about how you use that and how you find ways to break the opposition down to then create the chances and nice for us to finish the game properly as well.

“In the away leg we conceded two goals late on which was disappointing so it was good the boys had that bit about them later on in the game to manage it right and properly and not give them any opportunities, so that was pleasing.

“As you progress through the competition the tests get harder and you get different types of games. It’s probably [been] a nice one for us in that over the two legs we’ve had a lot of the ball, we’ve scored a lot of goals, we’ve had opportunities to practise certain things that the group are going after and individually. And the boys have done well over the two games and deserve the opportunity in the next round, so we look forward to it.”

AZ ALKMAAR NEXT

United will now face AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Youth League third round, with the first leg to be played in the final week of November. The Dutch side won the tournament in 2022/23.

“We know they’re a very good Academy,” Lawrence said.

“They won this competition two years ago, so you probably only need to go as far as that, really. They have a good reputation of developing young players and obviously they’ve been successful in this competition.

“We want to get in this competition and progress through it to play against the best across Europe and really test ourselves and we’re definitely going to get that across the two legs, so the lads are really looking forward to it.”

SEKOU KONE’S PROGRESS

Eighteen-year-old Mali midfielder Sekou Kone, who signed for United in summer, made his second competitive appearance on Wednesday, replacing Jayce Fitzgerald as a half-time substitute. He was also a sub for the Under-21s in their match at Sunderland last Saturday.

Lawrence credited Kone’s patience as the young talent adjusts to life in England, and reflected on a squad with three additions to it since the first leg.

“When you arrive at this club you just want to be playing football and obviously get on the pitch and put on the Man United shirt and show people what you can do,” the Academy coach commented.

“He’s had to be patient. It’s right we’ve built him up slowly. He’s picking up a bit of English, we’re picking up a bit of French, so we’re trying to work it both ways!

“And obviously Harry [Amass] and Ethan Wheatley playing tonight was nice. They didn’t get the opportunity to play in the first leg. Good for them in terms of going into the next stage, rather than them maybe going in fresh and playing their first games in the next round, it’s nice that they both played in the game today. So a nice mix of the squad as well.”

WATCH THE UNDER-18s LIVE ON SATURDAY

With 40 goals in their opening eight U18 Premier League fixtures, and a further 13 across two European matches, Lawrence’s side have proved an entertaining watch thus far this season.

Their 11:00 GMT kick-off against Everton on Saturday will be shown live on MUTV - subscribe now to watch.

MUTV INFO AT A GLANCE

Saturday 9 November | UNITED U18s v Everton | 11:00 | Live on MUTV
Tuesday 12 November | Huddersfield Town v UNITED U21s | 19:00 | Not live on MUTV (Live on Sky Sports+)
Tuesday 19 November | Altrincham v UNITED U21s | 19:30 | Live on MUTV
Saturday 23 November | UNITED U18s v Leeds | 11:00 | Live on MUTV
Friday 29 November | UNITED U21s v West Ham | 19:00 | Not live on MUTV (Clash with Premier League fixture)
Saturday 30 November | Stoke v United U18s | 11:00 | Live on MUTV

All times listed in GMT.