Shea Lacey has sent a very telling message on social media after multiple one-on-one meetings with Rúben Amorim during Manchester United training.
Manchester United’s Academy is thriving with young talent, and supporters are closely following the progress of several promising prospects.
At the moment, much of the excitement centres on those stepping up to the Under-18s — particularly 14-year-old JJ Gabriel, who has quickly become the name on everyone’s lips.
Before Gabriel’s emergence, Shea Lacey was the standout figure. The skilful left-footed winger wowed fans with his creativity, close control, and technical quality.
Now 18, Lacey impressed when he featured for Rúben Amorim’s first team on the post-season tour of Asia, though injury prevented him from joining the pre-season squad.
Injuries have unfortunately been a consistent hurdle over the past two years, but he’ll be determined to stay fit and make his mark this season.
Lacey set to be handed debut soon
English media has reported that academy duo Jack Fletcher and Lacey have been the standout performers in first-team training sessions under Amorim.
Elsewhere, it’s been suggested that United’s senior players have been left amazed by Lacey’s technical quality, with his recent involvement in England senior training during the international break further highlighting his talent.
The same report adds that the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations could ‘open up the prospect’ of either Lacey or Fletcher being called into the first-team squad for matches, potentially paving the way for a debut.
This comes amid claims that Amorim and Lacey have many one-to-one conversations around the training ground, and there is said to be an eagerness to position Lacey for success in the very near future.
Lacey’s wordless message speaks volumes about his ambitions
Earlier this week, it was noted that Lacey had once again been drafted into first-team training amid Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, among others, being rested due to extended travel during the international break.
After Lacey joined Amorim’s squad for a gym session and then an outdoor training session, he took the time to share some photos on his X profile. Instead of accompanying them with words, he simply left an hourglass emoji.
It’s clear that Lacey’s first-team debut for United is closing in, and his telling wordless message on social media clearly shows that the English teen also feels it’s simply a matter of time before Amorim gives him a shot on the pitch.
After performing well on the post-season tour at the end of the last campaign, fans will be delighted to see that the 18-year-old Academy starlet is likely soon to grace the pitch in Red for the first time.