At least the kids are doing alright! More than alright, in fact. Try a 9-1 battering of fierce rivals Liverpool!
Manchester United U18s put in a historic display to defeat their younger counterparts from Liverpool 9-1 courtesy of a hattrick from Ethan Wheatley and two braces as well.
The result, momentous on its own, also just keeps up the trend of the kids sweeping away all competition at that age group.
With the win, United U18s moved 13 points clear at the top of the table (City have two games in hand but losing to Wolves).
Having scored a blinding 68 goals in just 20 games, they are grabbing the eyes of even the most casual fan with their breathtaking displays of attacking mastery, in stark contrast to the senior team.
The man behind it all is Adam Lawrence, who joined as the U18s manager at the start of this season.
Who is Adam Lawrence?
Adam Lawrence will gain a lot of public attention following this history-making result but the truth is, his rise has been long coming.
He joined the U18s setup as a part of natural progression at United which saw his sterling work with the U16s rewarded with the U18s job.
Throughout his career, he has worked in youth football, with his eye for nurturing talent having led him from Millwall to Charlton to finally United.
To smoothen the transition of players through age groups, Lawrence also works as the Head of Player Development for United U13s to U16s.
He holds a UEFA Pro Licence and his brand of attacking football has always impressed people who follow youth football in England closely.
With a preferred formation of 4-2-3-1 mirroring that of the senior team, it has allowed talents like Kobbie Mainoo to come to the senior setup and have greater clarity over their roles.
Under his leadership, the next generation to follow Mainoo, especially in attack, is already thriving.
The likes of Ethan Wheatley, Amir Ibragimov, Shea Lacey, and Bendito Mantato are all players under the age of 18 who are making their peers look like they are no match for them.
Lawrence’s coaching and the freedom he provides his players along with the tactical clarity has accelerated the development of these players.
It wouldn’t be a surprise that along with the players’ promotion to the senior team, Lawrence is hopping up the ranks as well.
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