Adam Lawrence has spoken about the ‘amazing’ opportunity that awaits Manchester United’s under-21 side against Real Madrid in the Premier League International Cup.
Manchester United’s under-21 side have performed strongly in the Premier League International Cup this season, getting through a difficult group before arranging a quarter-final tie with Real Madrid.
The young Reds beat Athletic Club, Borussia Dortmund and Sporting CP to secure progression to the knockouts while suffering one defeat versus Anderlecht.
A big night under the floodlights awaits Adam Lawrence and his side as they will welcome Real Madrid to Old Trafford next week.
Manchester United under-21s taking on Sporing CP
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United’s under-21 lead coach Lawrence is relishing the challenge against Real Madrid.
The encounter takes place at Old Trafford next Tuesday, 7 April, with tickets still available.
With a place in the last four of the Premier League International Cup up for grabs, Lawrence is excited for his players heading into the fixture as two iconic clubs go head-to-head.
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“It’s going to be a great occasion for us to play in an international competition,” Lawrence told MUTV.
“Obviously, with a club of Real Madrid’s stature, [this opportunity] is an amazing one for the players, so it’s one that they’ve obviously been really looking forward to as soon as the draw came out.
“We want to expose our players to the biggest competitions and some of the best academies across Europe, and that’s obviously what they’ve been able to do.
“So, when we look at these types of oppositions and the different challenges that the different games give you, it’s fantastic.”
Lawrence stresses that he doesn’t want the occasion to get the better of his players. He has urged them to attack Madrid like they have in other games this season.
“It’s in the DNA of the club,” Lawrence added.
“Essentially what you’re trying to do is each time a fan sees one of the Man United teams play, they should see those golden threads or consistencies in the things that they see, regardless of the age or the stage of where the players are at.
“The players are really, really proud to represent the club,” Lawrence said.
“They feel the fans’ support every time they’re playing a game, whether that’s at Leigh, Old Trafford or an away fixture.
“And hopefully, in terms of that never-say-die attitude, or that winning mentality, that shines out within the group as well.”
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What other teams are left in the Premier League International Cup?
Two of the four quarter-finals have already taken place in the Premier League International Cup.
Borussia Dortmund’s under-21 side beat Everton 2-0 and Real Sociedad beat Crystal Palace 3-0, meaning two English clubs were eliminated from the competition.
The other quarter-final includes Dinamo Zagreb and Valencia.
United have a chance to be the only team in the semi-finals if they can beat Real Madrid.
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