Man United academy star set for injury return after 5-month absence

Manchester United academy star Shea Lacey is set to return to action this weekend for the Under-18s after a five-month injury outlay.

Lacey, 16, has been out of action since late October with a thigh injury whilst his Under-18s teammates have continued to storm the league.

The young Reds remain unbeaten with 15 wins and two draws. Adam Lawrence’s side have also reached the Under-18s Premier League Cup final after their 5-0 win against Crystal Palace in the semi-finals last week.

Read More: Why academy star Shea Lacey ditched Liverpool for Man United

Now, according to AcademyScoop, Lacey is set to make his return from the five-month injury this weekend in the Under-18s Manchester Derby.

It was added that the 16-year-old started light training on the pitches at Carrington in early January and has since made strong progress towards full fitness.

Lacey is one of the most highly-rated talents at United. He operates from the right-wing and has previously been compared to Manchester City’s Phil Foden.

The winger has played five league fixtures and three UEFA Youth League games this term, with two goals and four assists to his name.

The England youth international debuted for the Under-18s side in October 2022 at just 15 years of age. He would go on to make a further 12 appearances for the team in the 2022/23 campaign.

Lacey’s talent on the pitch has not been the only standout quality noticed. Recently, a clip of the United youth player emerged on social media when he gave a young fan at Carrington a signed pair of boots after being gifted a pair of shin pads.

One fan wrote in response: “Star in the making this lad…so humble but what a footballer he’s going to be, already proving himself and before long he’ll be gracing OT with the 1st team.”

Another commented: “This is what Manchester United is all about. Name me another club that has such a following for its youth academy”

Lacey has also recently extended his contract with Nike.