Ruben Amorim has reportedly noticed an exciting difference in Shea Lacey this season as the youngster continues to train with Manchester United’s first-team squad.
Manchester United’s Academy is currently brimming with exciting young talent, drawing plenty of attention from fans eager to see who will be the next breakout star.
While much of the current buzz surrounds 14-year-old JJ Gabriel, who has been making waves with the Under-18s, it was Shea Lacey who previously held the spotlight. The gifted left-footed winger captivated supporters and coaches with his exceptional close control and technical ability.
Now 18, Lacey impressed during Ruben Amorim’s first-team post-season tour of Asia last summer, though he missed out on the pre-season trip in the summer due to injury.
Unfortunately, fitness setbacks have hampered his progress over the past two years, but he’ll be determined to put those struggles behind him and reignite his rise this season.
Amorim and United staff notice exciting difference in Lacey
Lacey’s fitness issues over the last year have mostly been small issues that the club have taken caution with but he is beginning to find his feet.
The exciting winger played 90 minuted against Lincoln City at the end of last month and it was his first full game for around two years. He has also been training regularly with Amorim’s side at Carrington.
According to a report from MailSport, the United boss treats Lacey like any other first-team player which is a testament to his quality.
It is also claimed that Amorim and his staff have noticed that Lacey is now seen as playing with a freedom that his previous injuries robbed him of.
That is a change that has ‘enthused’ the United boss and it seems like there could be first-team opportunities for the teenager later this season.
Lacey could get opportunity during AFCON
United will see Bryan Mbeumo and Amad both head off to the Africa Cup of Nations in December and they could potentially be unavailable for United duties for over a month.
That period could see Lacey receive an opportunity in the first-team squad as his favoured position would be as the right-sided no.10 – the position Mbeumo and Amad operate in.
There are players like Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount who can – and will likely – play in that position during AFCON but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Lacey in the squad.
Even though there are many priorities at Old Trafford right now, seeing another youngster properly break through into the first-team would be good to see after the exits of several Academy graduates in the summer.
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