Newcastle United latest news: Former U21’s lead coach Adam Lawrence has returned to Manchester United.
Manchester United have confirmed that Adam Lawrence has returned to the club as their new U21’s lead coach.
Lawrence has been appointed in that role until the end of the season amid a shake-up of coaching staff at Old Trafford following Michael Carrick’s appointment as interim first-team manager. Travis Binnion, who had assumed the role of Under-21’s lead coach at Manchester United, vacated that post when he was moved into Carrick’s first-team coaching set-up earlier this month.
A statement from the Red Devils on Lawrence’s appointment read: ’Manchester United have appointed Adam Lawrence as Under-21s lead coach, until the end of the season. Lawrence was previously in charge of our Under-18s side, leading the youngsters to the national title in 2023/24, in addition to the Premier League Cup, before taking up a role at Newcastle United.
‘The Under-21s lead coach role was vacated when Travis Binnion joined the first-team coaching set-up earlier this month. Darren Fletcher continues as Under-18s lead coach and will now also take on additional responsibilities by leading the Professional Development Phase (Under-17s-Under-21s) for the remainder of 2025/26.
‘The Under-21s are next in action on Monday night, facing an away game in Premier League 2 at West Bromwich Albion.’
As referenced in that statement, this will be his second spell at Manchester United following a brief stint at Newcastle United. Lawrence moved to Tyneside in September 2025 to take over as Newcastle United’s Under-21’s lead coach.
However, he would last just a number of months in that role before departing the club earlier this month. At the time of his departure, academy director Steve Harper said: “I'd like to thank Adam for his time with us leading the Under-21 group. We wish him the best of luck as he pursues the next step in his coaching career.”
Eddie Howe comments on Newcastle United Under-21’s hopes
Former Sunderland coach Robbie Stockdale was placed in interim charge of Newcastle United Under-21’s following Lawrence’s departure, leading the side as they secured a 1-1 draw against his former employers in a Wear-Tyne Premier League 2 clash on Friday 16 January. Anthony Munda’s goal just after the hour mark rescued a point for the Magpies on that occasion.
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With players like Leo Shahar, Sean Neave and Alex Murphy now becoming regulars in Eddie Howe’s first-team matchday squads, the Magpies will be keen for more players to progress through the ranks and push for a spot in the senior squad. When asked what those players, or any academy prospects, have to do to actually get on the pitch after stepping into the first-team squad, Howe told The Gazette: “They've got to keep developing their careers and keep developing their talents.
“They're training with us every day. They're part of the group. The players that you mentioned have got great attitudes.
“They want to do well. Also, they need the dedication because you don't just become a Premier League player. It's so, so difficult.
“So it's that real dedication to your craft and the attitude every day to maximise in the training sessions that we put on. But I think they're going in the right direction.
“We're delighted they're with us and we hope to give them opportunities in the future, if they deserve it.”
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