'Fantastic' Man Utd wing-back ready to make move up from youth team

Manchester United’s Under-18s head coach, Adam Lawrence, has expressed his excitement over the development of Jaydan Kamason, who delivered a standout performance in the FA Youth Cup quarter-final victory over Arsenal.

United took an early lead at the Emirates Stadium through Jack Fletcher, but Arsenal responded to go 2-1 ahead in the second half, with 15-year-old Max Dowman converting a penalty.

Just when United looked to be heading out of the tournament, Kamason produced a crucial late equalizer to force extra-time.

His man-of-the-match display caught the eye, and speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Lawrence was full of praise for the young right-back: "Jaydan has been in great form lately, putting in strong and consistent performances, as you’d expect from a second-year U18 player at this club," Lawrence said.

"He's in a great space right now. He’s a fantastic kid with outstanding athleticism, and he loves to get forward. That goal was a tremendous moment for him, and I’m sure he’ll be watching it back for a while!"

Lawrence credited Kamason’s steady and deliberate improvement rather than any drastic changes in his development: "There’s been no magic wand – just consistent, focused work. Jaydan has always been an attacking full-back who wears people down with his energy. He’s wiry, athletic, and can really impact the game in the final third."

Kamason’s growing influence on the pitch has United’s coaches "really excited" about his future. However, Lawrence emphasized that the young defender remains humble and understands the areas where he still needs to improve.

United’s strength in depth ultimately proved decisive, with Bendito Mantato scoring the extra-time winner after coming off the bench. Fellow substitutes Jimmy Thwaites and Samuel Lusale combined to set up the crucial goal.

Reflecting on the team’s resilience, Lawrence said: "To come back twice and win in extra-time is really special. The boys have shown a strong mentality, and it’s no accident – we see their attitude every day. They have a history of finishing games strongly, and we always believed we could score."

Arsenal posed a real threat in transition, particularly through Dowman, but Lawrence was pleased with how his team managed the game’s intensity.

"It’s about extreme control – making more passes, managing space, and attacking at the right moments. If you go all-out every time, it turns into a basketball game. We had to stay composed despite the emotion and tired legs."

On the substitutes' impact, he added: "I’m very pleased, but not surprised. We have a really talented squad, and any of our seven subs could have started. Bendito was a real threat, Samuel Lusale made an impact on the left, and Jimmy brought fresh energy and quality."

With their Youth Cup semi-final spot secured, United will face either Aston Villa or Plymouth Argyle. A potential Manchester derby final against City looms if they progress.

"If it ends up being City, great – it means we’ve made the final. But we’re taking it one step at a time. This competition is special to us; we have a massive history in it. We’ve already beaten Chelsea and Arsenal, and if we want to win it, we have to keep beating the best," Lawrence concluded.