Shea Lacey: Exciting update on Manchester United first team breakthrough emerges | OneFootball

Much has been made of JJ Gabriel’s immense potential and his possible promotion to the first team setup.

However, United’s academy have another gem who might catch Ruben Amorim’s attention imminently.

Shea Lacey was once tipped to be the next big talent to emerge from the club’s fabled academy. However, multiple injury issues impacted his development and the spotlight eventually moved elsewhere.

Shea Lacey is in fine form

However, this season, Lacey has enjoyed better luck with fitness. Accordingly, the Englishman, who once drew comparisons to Phil Foden, owing to his impressive ball manipulation in tight spaces, is starting to raise a few eyebrows.

The 18-year-old was given an opportunity to train with the senior group during pre-season.

Early this term, he came off the bench in the Premier League 2 derby against Manchester City and set up Amir Ibragimov to grab the winning goal. He also scored in the United-21s’ 1-1 draw with the PFA Pre-Season squad.

Shea Lacey close to first team inclusion

Interestingly, Lacey was a notable absentee in the lineup for the United U21s’ clash against Brackley Town in the National League Cup on Tuesday night.

According to the Daily Mail’s Nathan Salt, Lacey is not missing the game due to any injury issue.

Salt revealed that there is an “increasing optimism” Lacey is getting closer to the first team group.

Lacey primarily plays as a right winger. However, Amorim is blessed with the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for the role.

Instead, the versatile academy product should be considered to play through the middle. His ball-carrying ability and line-breaking passes may add a spark to Amorim’s side.

United fans are also really excited about Sekou Kone, who is currently sidelined after suffering a serious head injury in August.

Shining light on his return, Salt posted: “Very cautious on his return after fracturing his eye socket. Nasty injury that. No great desire to rush him back. Slow and steady approach with Kone.”

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