Highly-rated Man United coach to depart amid redundancies under Sir Ratcliffe

Manchester United have confirmed that one of their highly-rated coaches will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

Mail Sport exclusively revealed last month that a fresh round of redundancies are imminent at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe looking to significantly cut the club's workforce for the second time since his partial takeover last February.

United's longest-serving employee, football administrator Marie Marron, is expected to depart this summer after 46 years at the club, and now a coach has made the decision to move on.

The Red Devils' Under-18s manager Adam Lawrence will be heading for the exit door in search of a new challenge.

Lawrence joined United initially as an Under-16s coach in 2021 before being promoted to the Under-18s two years later.

He helped develop several young talents in United's academy, including teenage full back Harry Amass, and won three trophies with the team last season.

Reflecting on his time at United, Lawrence told the club's website: 'It has been a privilege to work for Manchester United. It has been a very special few years with this group; I’ve been fortunate to work with many of this season’s Under-18s right through from the Under-16s level and witness their growth as people as well as players.

'During the last two years, all the staff across the Professional Development Phase can be very proud of the work we have done to support the players. The style of play, the focus on individual development and the culture of the Academy that we have supported; it has been a real privilege to play my part in helping the group.

'I’m now ready for the next challenge but I’ll always cherish the memories made at this great club and can’t wait to see what the future holds for the players I’ve had the pleasure of working with.'

Lawrence's exit comes at a time when Ratcliffe is looking to reduce the head count at United by 200.

Eight months ago, Ratcliffe let 250 staff go, and is now set to take more drastic action as part of cost-cutting measures at United.

Mail Sport revealed on Tuesday that United's players are furious with the club's penny-pinching for next week's Europa League final when it comes to tickets, flights and hotels.

Indeed, Ruben Amorim has reportedly paid for 30 of his backroom staff and their families to attend the final out of his own pocket after United refused to hand over free tickets.

United fans are expected to be significantly outnumbered by Tottenham fans in Bilbao for next Wednesday's game as both teams aim to rescue their season.

United and Spurs currently sit 16th and 17th respectively in the Premier League, but the winners of the final will earn a spot in next season's Champions League.