Manchester United’s Under-21s coach Travis Binnion has revealed the next step for talented Academy star Shea Lacey as he outlines three demands for the player.
Manchester United’s Academy is filled with exciting talent at the moment and fans are paying close attention to the development of many young stars.
Most of the attention is on the latest players coming through into the Under-18s, with 14-year-old JJ Gabriel the most talked about player.
But before Gabriel emerged, it was Shea Lacey who everyone was focused on. The left-footed winger was stunning fans with his close control and technique.
Lacey, now 18, impressed when he appeared for Ruben Amorim’s first-team on the post-season tour of Asia after the end of last season but he missed out on the pre-season tour with an injury.
Unfortunately, injuries have seemed to define Lacey over the last two years but he will be hoping to turn things around this season.
United coach reveals next step for Lacey
After his pre-season setback, Lacey made his first appearance of the season for the Under-21s against Manchester City on the weekend.
Surprisingly, it was his first-ever game in the PL2, which shows how his development has been halted through injuries. Even still, he managed to make the difference.
Lacey came on late in the second half and managed to set up Amir Ibragimov’s winning goal in the 2-1 victory after exquisite footwork on the right flank.
After the game, Under-21s head coach Travis Binnion addressed Lacey and explained how everybody, including the player himself, needs to have patience.
Despite his undeniable talent, Binnion believes that Lacey has to make improvements tactically, physically and mentally after missing so much football in the last two years.
“Everybody in the world knows about Shea Lacey,” said Binnion after the derby victory on Sunday afternoon.
“He needs to be patient with himself and everyone else needs to be patient with him because there is still loads to come tactically, physically and mentally.
“We are still managing him physically. If he can stay on the pitch and stay training, everyone thinks he could be a top player.”
Lacey excels in the pockets
When Lacey appeared for the first-team on their post-season tour, he played in the right-sided no.10 role and it is a position which suits him perfectly.
The teenager can play on the touchline, and his ability to go on the outside – as seen for his assist on the weekend – is still strong.
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But he is the type of player who is perfect to receive in the pockets where Amorim’s no.10s find themselves in and he protects the ball brilliantly in those areas.
As Binnion mentioned, there has to be patience with Lacey after his recent difficulties, but there is certainly a long-term spot for him at Old Trafford.
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