Latest news with #PremierLeagueNorth
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Behind the scenes as Man City plot revenge in forgotten final as Premier League call lets them down
The celebrations were only just getting started a fortnight ago at Villa Park when a downbeat Manchester City dressing room had a sudden realisation. As Freed From Desire rang through the tunnel from the Aston Villa dressing room, City's beaten FA Youth Cup finalists were already plotting their revenge. With the young Blues wrapping up their under-18 Premier League North title a week earlier, they knew they would be in a National final to decide the best youth team in the country. At the time, it was between Villa and Southampton - and City players were in no doubt that they needed the chance to put things right against the team who just beat them moments earlier. READ MORE: Man United transfer news LIVE - Marcus Rashford twist, Jose Mourinho 'plot', Semenyo move READ MORE: Manchester United cannot afford to do the one thing Ruben Amorim wants There was initial disbelief at the way the Youth Cup final got away from City, brutally ending a 27-game winning run at the worst moment. Then a few smiles crept back into the dressing room. Then the realisation that they could meet Villa again very soon. "I am also not just a football coach," said City's U18 head coach Oliver Reiss. "I have also a heart. When I think about this [facing Villa again], then of course it would be nice to play again." Defender Stephen Mfuni, a rising star in the academy, summed up the mood in the City camp perfectly. "We want to get the score even. We're 1-0 down right now. Try to win to make it 1-1, " he told the Manchester Evening News. "We were hoping [it would be Villa], we know we can play better next time." The U18 National final takes place at Villa Park again after the drawing of lots to determine the home side. Unfortunately, however, the fixture clashes with the FA Cup final on Saturday so there is unlikely to be many City fans urging the youngsters on like they did in the Youth Cup final. That failure of the Premier League in scheduling one of their showpiece youth games is a shame for a hugely talented group - not least because the Youth Cup final saw Txiki Begiristain and Hugo Viana attend to look at the best the academy has to offer in person. The new sporting director will likely be at Wembley on Saturday instead. Viana watched the U21 play-off semi-final win over Manchester United last week and was present for the academy's annual awards night this week - and he will know that one final doesn't define a career. Mfuni says City have watched the Youth Cup final back, identifying the two set piece goals conceded in the first half, taking that into the under-21 win over United as an instant improvement. "We saw where we went wrong and tried to make sure it didn't happen again. For example their set piece goals we made sure United didn't score from any. Just take whatever we did wrong into these games." Mfuni glides between age group and first team training just like he glides from defence into midfield, and he believes he is personally better for a season that saw him go on the pre-season tour with Pep Guardiola in the summer, train regularly with the first team and play an important role in every academy competition. He will get two winners' medals for his PL2 and U18PL title wins, and will hope for two more with the last two finals of the season. "I've progressed fast, I think I've been doing well with the first team which has developed me a lot," he reflected. "As you can see on the pitch I'm stronger , faster, I think a lot and my decision-making is a lot better. It's improved me a lot. "The first team players give me tips, defending, attacking. I get used to playing different positions, making me a better player." The Youth Cup final was a disappointment from a group who instantly knew they could do better. Now they are determined to settle the score and give a better account for themselves with a swift return to Villa Park. It's just a shame the Premier League have let them down by allowing a nonsensical clash with the FA Cup final. --- Here at the Manchester Evening News, we're dedicated to bringing you the best Manchester City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group. You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories. And finally, if you'd rather listen to our expert analysis then make sure to check out our Talking City podcast. Our shows are available on all podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and you can also watch along on YouTube.
New York Times
13-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Manchester United under-18 head coach Adam Lawrence to leave at end of season
Manchester United's under-18s head coach Adam Lawrence is set to depart at the end of the season. Lawrence, 39, led United to three trophies last year, his first in charge at under-18s level, winning the Premier League regional and national titles as well as the Premier League Cup. United's under-18s finished second in the Premier League North this season and narrowly missed out on reaching the FA Youth Cup final, losing in the semi-finals on penalties to eventual winners Aston Villa. Advertisement Having joined from Charlton Athletic in 2021, Lawrence initially worked as United's under-16s head coach and said in a statement that he is 'ready for the next challenge'. 'It has been a privilege to work for Manchester United. It has been a very special few years with this group; I've been fortunate to work with many of this season's Under-18s right through from the Under-16s level and witness their growth as people as well as players,' Lawrence said. '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.' Nick Cox, United's academy director, said: 'Adam has contributed greatly to our club throughout his four years at Manchester United. His passion for helping young players to maximise their potential has played an important role in the success of our academy system. 'We take great pride in supporting and witnessing the development of our staff. Adam is a fine example of that, moving up from the under-16s to the under-18s, enjoying success and now being ready to seek a new challenge in the game. 'The whole of the academy thanks Adam for his service and wishes him the very best of luck for the future.' United confirmed that the process to appoint Lawrence's replacement is underway and is expected to be concluded ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Man Utd coach ‘likely to leave' with future uncertain as he considers new challenge away from club
He has brought huge success to the club DEVIL MAY CARE Man Utd coach 'likely to leave' with future uncertain as he considers new challenge away from club Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MANCHESTER UNITED youth boss Adam Lawrence faces an uncertain future and is 'likely to leave' as he considers a new challenge. The Under-18s chief has been at United for the past four years following a move from Charlton. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Adam Lawrence is considering leaving Manchester United Credit: Getty 2 He led the U18s to a treble last season Credit: Getty Lawrence, 39, initially joined as an Under-16s coach before working his way up to U18s boss. He is credited with turning them into a major force, leading them to a treble last season. Two of those wins came over rivals Man City. But this season has seen less success. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL HOMEWARD BOUND Man Utd confirm where club will play during £2billion new stadium build United were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup in the semis by Aston Villa, who went on to win the tournament. And with just one game left they sit second in the Premier League North, seven points off champs City. The Manchester Evening News claims Lawrence is now considering his options as he considers a new challenge. The ace could yet stay put at the Red Devils, with his future not linked to the club's major redundancies. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But Lawrence is thought to be eyeing a fresh role in a new environment. And Ineos may have to do some convincing if they want to keep him around for a while longer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals just THREE Man Utd players have spoken to him since he was sacked Questions over Lawrence's future come ahead of United's Europa League semi-final second leg clash against Bilbao. The Red Devils are 3-0 up from the first leg in Spain and hope to finish the job in style at Old Trafford on Thursday.
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Man Utd coach ‘likely to leave' with future uncertain as he considers new challenge away from club
MANCHESTER UNITED youth boss Adam Lawrence faces an uncertain future and is 'likely to leave' as he considers a new challenge. The Under-18s chief has been at 2 Adam Lawrence is considering leaving Manchester United Credit: Getty 2 He led the U18s to a treble last season Credit: Getty Lawrence, 39, initially joined as an Under-16s coach before working his way up to U18s boss. He is credited with turning them into a major force, leading them to a treble last season. Two of those wins came over rivals But this season has seen less success. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL United were knocked out of the FA Youth Cup in the semis by And with just one game left they sit second in the Premier League North, seven points off champs City. The The ace could yet stay put at the Red Devils, with his future not linked to the club's major redundancies. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But Lawrence is thought to be eyeing a fresh role in a new environment. And Ineos may have to do some convincing if they want to keep him around for a while longer. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reveals just THREE Man Utd players have spoken to him since he was sacked Questions over Lawrence's future come ahead of United's Europa League semi-final second leg clash against Bilbao. The Red Devils are 3-0 up from the first leg in Spain and hope to finish the job in style at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nottingham Forest Under-18s 0 Newcastle United Under-18s 1
The Toon teenagers took the lead inside 20 minutes at the Nigel Doughty Academy as Kyle Fitzgerald, who joined the Magpies from hometown club Galway United in February, netted his fourth goal in his last three league fixtures at under-18 level. The Irish youngster's effort proved the difference as Chris Moore's side extended their unbeaten away run across all competitions at under-18 level to six matches and are currently situated in fifth place, five points adrift of third place. Newcastle's youngsters face their Everton counterparts in their next Under-18 Premier League North fixture, hosting the Toffees at the Magpies' Little Benton Academy on Saturday, 29th March (kick-off 12.30pm GMT). Newcastle United Under-18s: Will Anderson, Guy Bloomer (Aaron Epia 89), Henry Johnson, Luke Craggs, Jude Cogdon, Matthew Taylor (Jake Durrant 89), Fraser Harper (Alex O'Donovan 71), Anthony Munda (Sam Alabi 66), Kyle Fitzgerald, Matheos Ferreira, Kacey Wooster. Subs not used: Tyler Jones.
