One Manchester United youngster showed his class during the under-21s defeat to Lincoln City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
Manchester United’s under-21s side – led by Travis Binnion – took on League One Lincoln City in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night. The tie ended in a 3-0 loss for the young Red Devils, but the scoreline didn’t tell the full story of what was an eventful match.
Despite losing the game, United’s youngsters registered five more shots (17) and dominated the ball with 64% possession. Zachary Jeacock, the Lincoln goalkeeper, was forced into four saves, including one brilliant stop from a Jack Fletcher effort.
After a few matches out of the starting side, Chido Obi returned to the starting lineup but failed to show his true class. His highlight of the game came in the first half after Shea Lacey was fouled; Obi picked up possession and used his quick feet to get past the defender before being brought down on the edge of the box.
That was United’s first match in the competition this season. Their next game will be against Barnsley on Tuesday, 21 October. Last season, United’s youngsters took victory against Barnsley with a 3-2 win due to a late brace from Jack Fletcher.
Lacey starts in Lincoln defeat
While it was an impressive performance from the majority of United’s under-21s, Lacey – as he does on most occasions – stood out and took the plaudits against a solid League One team.
Despite struggling to receive the ball high up the pitch, Lacey made seven touches in the opposition box and played 13 passes into the final third, via FotMob.
His free-kick in the first half could have given United the lead if Obi hadn’t blocked the effort after making a late run. Lacey looked like he belonged against the senior side, unlike some of United’s youngsters.
Now, a report from Mail Sport has shared: “Harry Maguire and others in the first team have recently been taken aback by Lacey’s level, having seen him up close in first team training, and calls are growing louder to get him closer to a first-team matchday squad.”
However, Lacey will be in direct competition with Bryan Mbeumo, who has been one of Rúben Amorim’s best players this season, despite his poor performance against his former side last weekend.
Fletcher twins could join Lacey in first team
Like Lacey, Jack and Tyler Fletcher both started against Lincoln. Jack moved back into midfield after two matches at left-back and partnered his twin brother in the double pivot, behind Jayce Fitzgerald.
The Mail report continues to say that both Jack and Tyler have impressed recently. J.Fletcher is said to be the “closest to breaking into the first team group alongside Lacey at this present moment” and he could be given his debut this campaign.
As for Tyler: “Staff around the first-team set-up speak highly of Tyler’s temperament and personality. He continues to be underrated from the outside, but he is one of the most consistent high performers coming through at United.”
The Fletcher twins could add a new dynamic to Amorim’s side, in a time where the club are in desperate need of new engine room players. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte simply aren’t cutting it anymore.
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