Manchester United officially confirm new head coach

Manchester United have officially confirmed another important coaching appointment during a summer of considerable change across the club’s footballing structure.

Michael Carrick was recently appointed as the permanent manager of the men’s first team after guiding United to a third-place Premier League finish, with the former midfielder subsequently beginning to shape his backroom staff for the new campaign.

Further change is taking place within United’s women’s team following the departure of Marc Skinner. The club are now working to appoint his successor as they prepare to move in a new direction.

However, United’s latest confirmed appointment concerns another of their teams, with Adam Lawrence officially named as the permanent head coach of the Under-21s.

Announcing the decision, United issued the following statement:

“Manchester United can confirm that Adam Lawrence will continue as Under-21 lead coach.

“Lawrence returned to Carrington in January 2026, when Travis Binnion joined the first-team coaching set-up, and will now lead the club’s Professional Development Phase (Under-16s-Under-21s).

“Lawrence will also take charge of our UEFA Youth League games.”

Adam Lawrence had been serving as the Under-21s’ interim head coach since returning to Carrington in January, when an internal reshuffle created an opening within the academy.

The 40-year-old previously managed United’s Under-18 side before leaving the club in the summer of 2025 to take up a position with Newcastle United.

His time away from Carrington lasted only seven months, with United bringing him back after Travis Binnion stepped up to work with the senior squad during Darren Fletcher’s spell as caretaker manager.

Binnion was subsequently retained as part of Carrick’s permanent first-team coaching staff after impressing during the second half of last season. His work has reportedly proven popular with United’s senior players.

Lawrence made a strong impression of his own after taking temporary control of the Under-21s, leading the young Reds to the Premier League 2 play-off final.

United narrowly missed out on the trophy after being defeated by Brighton and Hove Albion, but Lawrence’s work during the closing months of the campaign was viewed as a success by the club’s academy hierarchy.

Discussions over making his appointment permanent began following the conclusion of last season.

Although official confirmation was delayed, Lawrence continued overseeing the Under-21s throughout their pre-season preparations.

His appointment provides continuity for United’s oldest academy age group as the club looks to maintain a clear pathway into Carrick’s senior squad.