Brilliant ex-United coach close to landing key position at rival PL club – report

Former Manchester United coach Adam Lawrence is reportedly a candidate for a key position at a rival Premier League club.

Lawrence leaves United

In May, United announced that Lawrence would be leaving his position as lead coach of the Under-18s.

Lawrence first joined United as an Under-16s coach in January 2021, having arrived from Charlton. He was later promoted to head of player development for the Under-13 to Under-16 age groups, before ultimately being appointed as the Under-18s boss in 2023.

He enjoyed great success with the Under-18s, as he guided them to a remarkable treble in the 2023/24 campaign.

Since Lawrence began working in the Professional Development Phase (Under-17 to Under-21), seven academy graduates have made their first-team debuts.

United noted that Lawrence was leaving to explore new opportunities.

He confirmed as much in a statement which read in part, “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.”

Newcastle eyeing Lawrence for Under-21s lead coach role

According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle are closing in on the appointment of a new Under-21s lead coach, with Lawrence firmly in the frame for the job.

Hope wrote on X, “Newcastle’s search for new U21s boss is down to final four candidates.”

“Includes ex Man Utd U18s boss Adam Lawrence, who left club in May seeking new challenge.”

“Current NUFC 21s assistant Robbie Stockdale also in running.”

🔎 Newcastle’s search for new U21s boss is down to final four candidates

🔴 Includes ex Man Utd U18s boss Adam Lawrence, who left club in May seeking new challenge

⚫️ Current NUFC 21s assistant Robbie Stockdale also in running

🧱 NUFC could do with some stability at this level pic.twitter.com/NFeCNb8Hut

— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) July 13, 2025

The Magpies have been without an Under-21 lead coach since Diarmuid O’Carroll vacated the post to join Sparta Prague’s first-team set-up.

O’Carroll joined from Scottish Premiership side St Mirren last September and went on to help Newcastle finish ninth in the Premier League 2 and reach the quarter-finals of the National League Cup.

Feature image Matt McNulty via Getty Images

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