Manchester United have dropped a hint on the possibility of Shea Lacey becoming involved in Michael Carrick’s squad to face Arsenal this weekend.
Michael Carrick will oversee his second Manchester United match since returning to the club, with a huge Premier League test away at Arsenal on Sunday.
United made a stunning statement on Carrick’s return last week, producing a scintillating performance to beat Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford. The scoreline could have been even more emphatic, with three additional goals ruled out for offside.
It was one of the most impressive displays supporters have witnessed in a long time and has sparked a surge of belief ahead of the trip to North London.
Arsenal remain seven points clear at the top of the table, although a dull 0-0 draw with Nottingham Forest at the weekend has slightly stalled their momentum. With United pushing for Champions League qualification, all the ingredients are in place for a fiery and explosive encounter on Sunday.
United hint at possible Lacey involvement vs Arsenal
The biggest boost Carrick has received that his predecessors did not have earlier in January is that the English gaffer has almost his entire first-team squad available.
Due to a mix of injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations, Rúben Amorim and Darren Fletcher had only a select few attacking options available, leading to the involvement of young winger Shea Lacey, who is highly rated within the Academy.
But, unfortunately for the 18-year-old, he was handed a red card during United’s 2-1 loss against Brighton in the FA Cup, meaning he was suspended for the City clash last week.
With Arsenal on the horizon, many noted that Lacey was not involved in the U21s’ 3-2 win over Sporting in the Premier League Intercontinental Cup on Tuesday evening, feeling it is a suggestion that Carrick instead wants him with the first-team in preparation for the Arsenal tie.
Carrick watching on in the stands
Another moment of note was that Carrick and his coaching staff were also spotted at Leigh Sports Village to watch the thrilling match.
This held significance for many, as it was the first time a United head coach had attended an Academy fixture at Leigh Sports Village since Erik ten Hag.
Amorim’s lack of faith in Academy players at times was a sticking point for many fans, and the Portuguese boss never once made the trip to Leigh to see the next generation play, so it was fantastic to see Carrick’s involvement.
It was also noted that Carrick was often in dialogue with U18s head coach Fletcher throughout the tie, possibly discussing which players could make the step up to the senior level in the second half of the season.
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