Shea Lacey: Michael Carrick makes key decision on Man United starlet | OneFootball

Despite abject disappointment in his last outing, Shea Lacey remains one of Manchester United’s most highly regarded youngsters – with the attacker having already made an impression on Michael Carrick, according to an inside source.

United’s new starlet

Lacey, 18, is a player Manchester United fans have been desperate to see start for the first team this season, after a rapid rise through the ranks at Old Trafford.

A technically gifted right winger in possession of a wand of a left foot, Lacey has shone for the youth sides, with injury being the only opposition he has been unable to dance around.

The England Under-20 international has suffered issues with his shoulder and thigh in recent seasons, which have curtailed his progress.

However, he has since recovered from this unfortunate streak and progressed to training with the senior squad at Ruben Amorim’s request this season – and the Portuguese coach was understood to be impressed by his attitude and application with the senior players.

Lacey was handed his debut by Amorim in December, coming on as a late substitute in the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, with United’s squad depleted by injury and international duty.

Less than two weeks later, INEOS reached the explosive decision to bring an end to Amorim’s tumultuous tenure, with u-18s coach Darren Fletcher taking charge of the senior side in his wake.

The 41-year-old Scot’s first game at the helm was an away trip to face a resilient Burnley side. Manchester United dominated the game, but were only able to muster a 2-2 draw after self-sabotage handed Scott Parker’s side a point.

Fletcher introduced Lacey as a substitute while the Red Devils were chasing a late winner – and the fearless youngster made an immediate impression. He picked the ball up near the halfway line and drove straight at the Burnley defence, unleashing a thunderous effort from distance which cannoned off the bar – inches from a fairy tale finish at Turf Moor.

It was the type of moment – putting faith in young players – that Manchester United’s history is predicated upon, and offered validation to the esteem with which the club hold the 18-year-old winger in.

From Hero to Zero

In Fletcher’s second, and final, match as interim manager, before Carrick took the reins as caretaker permanently, he again summoned Lacey from the bench with Manchester United chasing an equaliser in the FA Cup third round clash with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The tempestuousness of youth intervened, however, with the academy starlet receiving a second yellow card for throwing the ball away, minutes after picking up his first caution.

It was a silly error, though a better referee would have recognised this was a moment where the letter of the law need not be dogmatically applied – but that is expecting too much from officiating in England.

Lacey penned an emotional apology to fans after the match, devastated by the idea he had sealed Manchester United’s exit from the cup as the match finished 2-1 to Brighton. There were suggestions he could leave on loan for the second half of the season, with Ipswich Town expressing interest.

However, an inside source at Old Trafford reveals Lacey will be restored to the senior squad for tomorrow’s match against Fulham, indicating Carrick is as convinced by the youngster as his predecessors.

With less than 48 hours until the January transfer window slams shut, this is the clearest indication yet that Lacey still has an important part to play for his boyhood club this season.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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