Lawrence in talks to extend United stay as Binnion earns first-team praise under Carrick

Manchester United are in talks with Adam Lawrence over extending his role as Under-21 manager beyond the expiry of his current contract at the end of the month, with academy chiefs viewing his interim tenure as a clear success.

Lawrence was appointed on a temporary basis in January following a staff reshuffle that moved Travis Binnion up to the first-team setup. Having recently departed Newcastle and previously managed United’s Under-18 side, Lawrence was considered the natural fit. He went on to guide the U21s to the Premier League 2 play-off final, where they were narrowly beaten by Brighton, and his familiarity with the players and the Carrington environment has provided the kind of continuity that academy chiefs value. Both parties are now discussing a formal extension of the arrangement.

The vacancy Lawrence stepped into was created when Binnion made the move to assist the senior coaching staff around six months ago. He initially worked alongside Darren Fletcher before being confirmed as part of Carrick’s backroom team. Sources close to the club have consistently spoken highly of Binnion throughout his seven years in the academy system, and one described his promotion to the first team as thoroughly deserved. He has been praised for his directness — one source credited him with cutting through the “b*” — and has made an immediate impression on senior players. Striker Benjamin Sesko spoke in February about the benefits of working with Binnion on individual coaching sessions at Carrington.

Elsewhere in the academy, attention has turned to two players representing England Under-18s. Albert Mills, a centre-back who was nominated for the Premier League’s Under-18 player of the year award this season, has drawn considerable praise for his performances at the back. The nomination itself is notable given that defensive contributions rarely generate the same online attention as goals — a reflection of just how consistent Mills has been throughout the campaign. His teammate JJ Gabriel ultimately claimed the award after a standout season in which he established himself as the U18s’ key attacking threat.