Lawrence: I thought we were outstanding
Manchester United Under-18s coach Adam Lawrence praised his players' season-long endeavour, following our success in the U18 Premier League Cup final.
A first-half brace from Ethan Wheatley set our young Reds on their way before Stephen Mfuni's late header for our opponents Manchester City ensured a tense finish at Leigh Sports Village.
Emerging victorious in front of a sold-out crowd, there was jubilation galore following the full-time whistle as the United players enjoyed a moment to savour by lifting the trophy.
Lawrence, speaking to MUTV's Ben Ibson, praised the team spirit shown by his players across the campaign, with a league and cup double now safely wrapped up.
Emerging victorious in front of a sold-out crowd, there was jubilation galore following the full-time whistle as the United players enjoyed a moment to savour by lifting the trophy.
Lawrence, speaking to MUTV's Ben Ibson, praised the team spirit shown by his players across the campaign, with a league and cup double now safely wrapped up.
Lawrence: It's a big team effort Video
Lawrence: It's a big team effort
United's Under-18 head coach Adam Lawrence hails his side's 'togetherness' after our Premier League Cup victory...
"I am delighted for the boys," began the Under-18s boss. "In terms of finals, in these types of games, they are decided by fine margins. In the second half, towards the end of the game, we really had to dig deep.
"If it's a team that isn't together and doesn't have that spirit, they don't get through that game and it goes to extra time or they lose it.
"In terms of that, and the togetherness of the group, I thought we were outstanding and that has helped us get over the line."
"If it's a team that isn't together and doesn't have that spirit, they don't get through that game and it goes to extra time or they lose it.
"In terms of that, and the togetherness of the group, I thought we were outstanding and that has helped us get over the line."
Lawrence made three pre-planned changes at half-time, withdrawing Harry Amass, Louis Jackson and Ethan Wheatley - all of whom were in the senior matchday squad on Sunday.
This provided an opportunity for substitutes Bendito Mantato, Habeeb Ogunneye and Gabriele Biancheri to experience a full half on such a high-stakes occasion, and the United boss has now used 34 different players over the course of the season.
This provided an opportunity for substitutes Bendito Mantato, Habeeb Ogunneye and Gabriele Biancheri to experience a full half on such a high-stakes occasion, and the United boss has now used 34 different players over the course of the season.
U18s 90 in 20: United v Man City Video
U18s 90 in 20: United v Man City
90 in 20 | Watch extended highlights from the triumphant Under-18s Premier League Cup final against Man City...
"In terms of where the boys are at, and the other things we have got going on between the first team, Under-21s and the programme, certain individuals had to be managed today," added Lawrence.
"In any game when you are taking three important players for the team off at halt-time, that can have a big effect on the team and on the group as well.
"In any game when you are taking three important players for the team off at halt-time, that can have a big effect on the team and on the group as well.
A night to remember
GalleryCheck out these must-see images as our young Reds celebrated winning the U18 Premier League Cup.
"But all of the players are good players, and the players that came on dealt with that. Sometimes it is about doing what is needed for the team.
"Overall, Manchester City are a good side and they posed us a lot of problems and towards the end they caused us a problem.
"It was nice to get over the line and for us to have that moment."
"Overall, Manchester City are a good side and they posed us a lot of problems and towards the end they caused us a problem.
"It was nice to get over the line and for us to have that moment."
Back to Top