Ruben Amorim has praised the strong mentality of two recent academy debutants, Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher, for Manchester United.
After recent criticism from fans and pundits alike surrounding his usage of the academy, Ruben Amorim handed two highly regarded starlets their debut in the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Midfielder Jack Fletcher, 18 and son of ex-United player Darren Fletcher and forward Shea Lacey, 18, both came on with prominent roles as United chased for an equaliser.
While it was a nervy start, Jack Fletcher showcased brief moments of his technical level that got him to this level, with the physicality something that will come with time. With the injuries to Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, there is a chance he will appear once again in the side against Newcastle United.
Lacey also showed flashes of his brilliance on the ball that he has showcased throughout his time in the youth setup. With Bryan Mbeumo away at AFCON, there will be more space for the young Englishman to have chances again to impress.
Amorim impressed with their behaviour
Ruben Amorim has recently made several strong statements about the club’s player mentality since he first took over. He name-dropped the likes of Harry Amass and Chido Obi, which did not go down well with fans, pundits, or the two players.
In last weeks press conference ahead of the Aston Villa fixture, he said: “I think the feeling a little bit of entitlement we have in our club, sometimes strong words is not bad words, difficult moments are not bad for the kids. We don’t need always to be accolades for every situation.”
Since then, he handed the debuts to Lacey and Jack Fletcher. When asked about the pair and why they were given debut,s he gave an interesting response.
“The behaviour they showed during these weeks is really good. I don’t have that feeling that [they think] ‘I’m a little bit different because I played for Man United,” he said on Wednesday afternoon.
Fletcher and Lacey are the examples
The Red Devils boss could be sending a message to the rest of the academy that being talented is not enough to get your place in the side; your behaviour and mentality are what will set you apart.
Jack Fletcher and Lacey are clearly examples of what Amorim wants in his players.
Despite the recent criticism, Amorim has shown throughout his managerial career that he will always give the youth the chance, but only once he deems them ready and able to handle being treated like a first-teamer, not a kid.
Other academy players may not be too far behind. Bendito Mantato also appeared in the matchday squad against Villa. A natural right-sided player capable of playing at right-wingback with a similar playstyle to and absence of Amad.
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