Manchester United have confirmed Adam Lawrence's appointment.placeholder image
Manchester United have confirmed Adam Lawrence's appointment. | Getty Images
Adam Lawrence lasted just four months at Newcastle United before returning to Manchester United.
Manchester United have confirmed the return of former Newcastle United under-21 manager Adam Lawrence.
Having worked atthe Red Devils last season, Lawrence was tasked with leading the youth setup - an important role since the Saudi-backed takeover. That included coaching the under-19s in the UEFA Youth League, with fixtures taking place a few hours before the first team’s Champions League clashes.
However, results were poor, with Newcastle’s under-21s not winning since November 8. Lawrence oversaw a run of no wins in seven - including six defeats - which resulted in him vacating the role.
Man United reappoint Adam Lawrence
In a shock move, Man United have confirmed the reappointment of Lawrence with immediate effect. A statement 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.”
Newcastle United release statement
Losing 1-0 at home to Middlesbrough earlier this month was seemingly the final straw as Newcastle released a statement confirming his exit. An announcement read: “Adam Lawrence has chosen to step down from his role as lead coach of Newcastle United under-21s.
“Lawrence took charge of the Magpies' under-21 side in September 2025, joining the Magpies' academy from Manchester United, where he was lead coach for the club's under-18s side. Robbie Stockdale will take interim charge of United's under-21s while the process of recruiting a new lead coach takes place.”
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Steve Harper thanks Adam Lawrence
Newcastle United 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."
New CEO David Hopkinson as well as sporting director Ross Wilson are currently searching for Lawrence’s replacement. Newcastle are looking for their fifth under-21s coach since the takeover in October 2021.
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