Michael Carrick has been told what he must do with Shea Lacey at Manchester United following the youngster’s promising displays.
Manchester United find themselves in a challenging position following the club’s decision to dismiss Ruben Amorim as head coach.
Michael Carrick has stepped in as caretaker manager for the remainder of the season, and a significant upturn in results will be required if United are to secure European qualification for next campaign.
Despite the absence of victories in the last two matches, one of the standout positives has been the emergence of Shea Lacey. The teenager impressed during his substitute appearances, showing energy and creativity.
Although he was caught out by his inexperience against Brighton and was sent off, Owen Hargreaves still singled him out as United’s best performer on the night.
Carrick told exactly what he must do with Lacey
Lacey might not be available for the Manchester derby due to suspension but he continues to impress his teammates in training.
The 18-year-old has shown that he can contribute to the first-team and ex-Red Clayton Blackmore has claimed that he should be playing more under Carrick.
Speaking with UtdDistrict via Betfree, Blackmore was asked whether he is expecting any academy players to emerge at Old Trafford. “I like the lad Lacey,” he responded.
“His family are Liverpool fans. He’s from Liverpool. He’s the only one in the family who supports United. So that’s got to be an edge for him.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him playing more. That’s the good thing Fletcher has done. He’s brought him in and we were thinking, Wow, where’s he been?
“Why are you not playing him? You can’t not play him because of his age. It’s like some Matt Busby says, If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.”
Lacey can be an impact player for Carrick
Carrick has already explained that he wants to give youngsters a chance but opportunities won’t come easily for Lacey due to the position he plays in.
Amad and Bryan Mbeumo have returned to the club this week after competing at AFCON and both players prefer operating from the right wing.
Carrick will have enough problems finding ways to fit them into the starting team together, let alone getting Lacey into the side.
But the teenager’s chances do not necessarily need to come from the start and Carrick should instead look to use him as an impact player off the bench.
That is the kind of role we saw Alejandro Garnacho thrive in under Erik ten Hag during the 2022/23 campaign and it means that Lacey isn’t thrown into difficult situations too soon.
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