One of Manchester United’s most impressive youngsters has sent a message to Michael Carrick as he looks to deal with the injury of Patrick Dorgu.
Manchester United have had the perfect start to life under Michael Carrick after winning back-to-back games against Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Reds did not snatch six points in those clashes, however. Both victories were fully deserved for Carrick’s side and they will hope to continue improving throughout the rest of the season.
But there has now been a setback for the team after Patrick Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury during the win against the Gunners.
After scoring a sublime goal, the Danish international was forced to come off and reports are now suggesting that he could be out of action for more than two months.
United youngster sends clear message to Carrick
For Carrick, it is relatively simple to replace Dorgu in the team due to Matheus Cunha’s performances off the bench. He has scored and assisted in the last two games despite starting amongst the substitutes.
But the United boss has also been watching the youth teams closely and Shea Lacey has continued to show his class while being out of the first-team squad.
Lacey, 18, appeared in both of the games while Darren Fletcher was in charge and impressed fans, even though he was sent off in the FA Cup against Brighton.
The teenager has played two games for the Under-21s this month and netted three goals in those matches. Carrick and his staff were watching on at Carrington as Lacey scored a wonderful free-kick on Monday afternoon.
He is showing the new boss that he is ahead of youth level now and is ready to contribute to the first-team, and Dorgu’s injury may allow him to be reintroduced to the squad.
Substitutes are key for Carrick
Cunha starting games is an obvious move but Carrick will lose that impact from the bench. Being able to bring the Brazilian on in the last two games was key for the wins.
Lacey is not going to make the same impact as an experienced professional like Cunha but his flair and unpredictability could be useful to have on the bench.
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Carrick has shown that he is not afraid to be bold and brave when making substitutes and he has experienced Lacey’s qualities first-hand.
Substitutes will continue to be important at Old Trafford if they want to keep up the pace and finish in the Champions League spots this term.
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