Adam Lawrence is leaving his role as Under-18 manager at Man United to explore different career opportunities.
Manchester United coach Adam Lawrence has left his position as Under-18 manager.
Last week, the Manchester Evening News reported that Lawrence was likely to leave United’s academy and his departure has now been confirmed as he looks for a new challenge.
Sources have said Lawrence is open to working in a first-team environment or a fresh academy challenge for the next step of his career. The 39-year-old has been offered roles in English Football League first-team coaching set-ups and is currently weighing up his next move ahead of the new season.
Lawrence’s departure is unrelated to the club-wide redundancies and sources close to the coach say he is happy to work anywhere geographically after spending four years in Manchester.
In a statement, 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.”
Head of the academy, Nick Cox, 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.”
Lawrence was appointed as an Under-16 coach in January 2021 before being promoted to head of player development for the Under-13 to U16 age groups. He was subsequently appointed as U18 boss in the summer of 2023.
Lawrence oversaw a treble with the U18s last season, winning two trophies at the expense of rivals Man City, and he targeted winning the prestigious FA Youth Cup in this campaign.
However, the U18s were knocked out by Aston Villa at Villa Park on penalties in the Youth Cup semi-finals at the end of March. Villa went on to win the competition against Manchester City.
The U18s have finished second in the Premier League North this season. Lawrence has been praised for his contribution to the U18s and leaves United with the best wishes of the club.
It’s understood talks are already under way to find a suitable replacement for Lawrence.
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2025-05-13 18:00:00
