Adam Lawrence sends Rúben Amorim clear message about wildcard Academy option, he could replace Amad

Adam Lawrence has sent Rúben Amorim a clear message about a Manchester United Academy star who could be a wildcard option to replace Amad in the first-team.

Manchester United’s U18s booked their place in the FA Youth Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 3-2 extra-time win over Arsenal.

United started strongly, and after 30 minutes, Jack Fletcher fired them ahead with a stunning long-range strike. Arsenal responded just before half-time, with Louie Copley lifting a clever finish over Tom Myles to level the scores.

The hosts took the lead in the second half when 15-year-old Max Dowman won and converted a penalty after a tricky run past Reece Munro. But United refused to give up, and right-back Jaydan Kamason produced a brilliant strike late on to send the game to extra time.

Substitute Bendito Mantato then struck from close range to put United back in front, and Arsenal’s hopes faded further when captain Will Sweet was sent off in the final minutes. United held firm to secure a spot in the last four.

Lawrence raves about Kamason’s display

After the game, U18s boss Adam Lawrence spoke to the Manchester Evening News about the performance of Kamason, who was United’s best player on the night.

“In terms of training opportunities and being on the first-team radar, we speak about the U18s and Under-21s regularly, and people above us know who the players are,” Lawrence said.

“Jaydan has been in real good form of late, so he’s in that position where he’s put in some real strong and consistent performances, as you’d expect from a second year U18 player here.

“He’s in a real good space. He’s such a fantastic kid, he’s got real good athleticism and he likes to get forward on the outside. And listen, he’ll be watching that goal back for a while.

“It was a tremendous moment for him to score that goal to bring it back to 2-2 in that moment, a lovely occasion for him and he’s a top kid, so I’m really pleased for him.

“We’d like to try take credit for the boy’s improvement and stuff, but to be honest, each of the players have individual development plans and things they want to keep as their strengths and things they want to improve, so we’ll do individual technical work and small group work.

“Then we’ll break it down into specific positions and then it’s up the players to really focus on what they want to improve, so for Jaydan, there’s been no magic wand. He’s made steady and consistent through deliberate practice and, like you say, he’s improved his final ball.

“He’s always been a full-back that has liked to get forward and he can wear people down, he’s wiry, he’s very athletic and can get on top of people and really impact the game in the final third.

“We’re really excited about him and think that he has real big potential, but he’s a humble kid and he’ll know he needs to get better and that he’s got things to work on.”

Kamason as a wildcard option to replace Amad

Since Amad was ruled out for the rest of the season, fans have noticed the lack of attacking threat the club now have, with the Ivorian international performing well both as an attacking midfielder and a right wing-back.

Zirkzee has since filled the role of the right-sided forward, but many are growing tired of the performances of Diogo Dalot at right wing-back since Amad’s injury and feel that the lack of the options are hampering the side.

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However, Kamason’s goal and general performance against Arsenal showed that, as a full-back, he is a potent attacking threat, and with Lawrence confirming how often the 18-year-old likes to push forward, there is little doubt that the message will reach Amorim.

Although Kamason is vastly less experienced than Amad, the young player could help fulfil the role that Amad held before of being a secondary option as a right wing-back who can throw himself further foward and provide an extra attacking threat.