Adam Lawrence’s incredible team talk before Manchester United U18s extra-time heroics vs Arsenal

Adam Lawrence delivered an inspiring team talk to help Manchester United’s U18s side win a dramatic FA Youth Cup clash against Arsenal on Friday night.

Manchester United’s U18s secured a spot in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals with a thrilling 3-2 extra-time victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

United started strongly, and after 30 minutes, Jack Fletcher put them ahead with a stunning long-range strike. Arsenal responded just before halftime through Louie Copley’s delicate finish.

In the second half, 15-year-old Max Dowman won and converted a penalty to give Arsenal the lead. However, Jaydan Kamason’s late screamer forced extra time.

Substitute Bendito Mantato netted the winner 10 minutes into extra time, and Arsenal’s Will Sweet saw red late on as United held on for a hard-fought win.

It was a gritted performance from Adam Lawrence’s men, who have already proven that they are able to beat teams in different ways, and that continued on Arsenal’s home turf.

Lawrence’s incredible United team talk before United U18s heroics

Lawrence has been heavily praised as the U18s head coach ever since he took over the role in the summer of 2023 after excelling in charge of the U16s beforehand.

The young English coach has overseen some brilliant talents but most importantly, he has been able to coach them into playing as a team with clear principles and togetherness.

The U18s side can be changed regularly due to various factors, including the first-team taking players, as was the case with Chido Obi this week, who had been the standout figure in the FA Youth Cup beforehand.

But they have shown a brilliant consistency over the last two years and Lawrence once again showed his managerial expertise on the sidelines at the Emirates.

United have posted footage from the brilliant win in North London and part of that video shows a clip from Lawrence’s team talk before extra-time kicked off.

The 39-year-old reminded his players that a lot of football was still to be played and explained that they needed to stick to the game-plan and not try to force things.

The final goal from Mantato showed that brilliantly, when Jim Thwaites waited for the opening to play Samuel Lusale in behind the defence, and he was able to expertly square the ball for Mantato for the winner.

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“No one’s going to just give you something because you’re the team on top,” Lawrence explained to his team on the touchline at the Emirates Stadium.

“We have to play, you’ve got 35 minutes, it’s a lot of time. You’ve got 35 minutes, play the game properly. Get the terrority, keep working the ball, find them little moments.”

The team talk, and United’s hard work, paid off and they will either face Aston Villa or Plymouth Argyle in the semi-finals. Should they progress to the final, Lawrence’s side would be against Watford or Manchester City.

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