Manchester United have been handed an important verdict on Shea Lacey as his path for a debut under Rúben Amorim becomes increasingly clear.
Manchester United’s Academy is full of exciting young prospects, delighting supporters who are eager to see which player will emerge next.
Fifteen-year-old JJ Gabriel has recently grabbed attention with strong performances for the Under-18s, but it was Shea Lacey who first drew widespread interest. The left-footed winger quickly won over fans and coaches with his close control and outstanding technical quality.
Lacey, now 18, made a strong impact on Rúben Amorim’s first-team post-season tour of Asia last summer, although an ill-timed injury kept him out of the following pre-season.
After a difficult spell with injuries over the past two years, he now seems to be building confidence again. This season, Lacey has stood out in the Academy and has regularly trained with the first team as he pushes for a possible debut next month.
Lacey impressing with England and United
Earlier this season, reports emerged that during first-team training sessions, Lacey had left the likes of Harry Maguire and others in awe after showcasing his abilities, with many feeling that a first-team debut was simply a matter of when, not if.
After training with the England first team for a few sessions in October, Lacey was initially called up for the U20 squad this international break but ended up training with Lee Carsley’s U21 squad at a higher level.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Carsley was full of praise for the 18-year-old, but also stressed that he feels it’s “important” his development and integration isn’t rushed after a series of injuries.
“He’s been in the pathway a good amount of time now, and he’s a player that we rate highly,” Carsley said.
“It worked out well that we needed that position for the training we were doing, and Shea was more than happy to come over and train with the Under-21s. You can see he’s a good talent.
“I know he’s struggled with injuries in the past, which has probably held back his development, but I think it’s so important we don’t rush these young players; we let them develop in their own time. I think he trained two sessions with us, and I enjoyed having him.”
Lacey’s first-team debut path is wide open
In the next 46 days, United will play eight league fixtures before the end of the year, before the FA Cup kicks off in mid-January for Premier League sides.
With the reintroduction of midweek fixtures at Old Trafford following three months of no European or Carabao Cup football at the club, December offers Lacey the perfect time to make his much-anticipated senior debut under Amorim.
Toward the end of December, United will lose their attacking duo, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, to the African Cup of Nations until at least the end of the year, possibly until mid-January, which leaves the United head coach with a lack of attacking depth.
While young striker Chido Obi will also be considered for a squad place, there is little doubt that, after his continuous training session with the first team, Lacey will be handed a spot on the bench and the possibility of a senior competitive debut at the club before the end of the year.
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