Rúben Amorim may have found his next Geovany Quenda as one of Manchester United’s “mercurial talent” stuns with his display against Hong Kong.
Manchester United concluded their 2025 post-season tour of Southeast Asia with a 3-1 comeback win over Hong Kong, thanks to a second-half double from Chido Obi and a classy header from Ayden Heaven.
The Reds started brightly, with Casemiro heading home early on, only for the goal to be disallowed for offside. Despite United’s dominance, it was Hong Kong who struck first—Juninho slotting past Tom Heaton after 20 minutes on the counter.
Rúben Amorim reacted quickly, making changes before the half-hour mark as Sekou Kone and Tyler Fletcher came on for Shea Lacey and Casemiro. More substitutions followed at the break to inject fresh energy.
Just before the 50th minute, 17-year-old Obi equalised with a sharp turn and finish, then gave United the lead with a smart header. Heaven added a third late on, nodding in a pinpoint cross from Amad to round off a successful tour on a high.
Lacey stuns fans with display vs Hong Kong
While (something about the game), United’s “mercurial talent” Lacey put in a performance to be proud of on Friday as United concluded their post-season tour.
Lacey only played 27 minutes, a little more than he was gifted against ASEAN All-Stars, but he delighted fans with a display as part of Amorim’s front three, looking confident on the ball, assured among the senior players, and happy to take his man on.
Lacey has suffered through injuries during his early years of development, but has been a force to reckon with in the Academy, and looked very much in the right place among United’s senior players.
There is a serious argument to be made that Lacey should be considered a bit-part first-team player next season as Amorim looks to completely revitalise his attacking depth heading into next season.
Amorim is not scared to use the youth
While Amorim has often opted to select senior players over youth talent at United so far, his time with Sporting CP is proof that he is not afraid to use teenage talent if he deems them good enough.
Geovany Quenda is the perfect example of Amorim taking a gamble on starting a young player if they have the tools to succeed. The 17-year-old is now on course to join Chelsea this summer and be loaned back to Sporting for a further season.
While a young player’s development may sometimes be best harnessed by sending them on loan, Lacey’s pure abilities put him right into the argument of becoming a player who Amorim can rely on just as he has Quenda, with his on-the-ball quality certainly a fit for senior football.
While he may not be a teen star who will play every week, he is expected to play a significant part during the club’s pre-season tour and preparations, with a good chance of breaking into the first team next season.
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