Shea Lacey: What Man United players think about their academy jewel | OneFootball

The next generation of Manchester United youngsters on the cusp of making their breakthrough has been a rare bright spot for the Red Devils.

Ruben Amorim’s United, who spent nearly £230m in the summer, is one of Europe’s most expensive squads. However, they are languishing 14th in the Premier League, nine places below newly-promoted Sunderland, who might seal the Portuguese’s fate on Saturday.

Meanwhile, United’s Under-21 side are flying with five wins in five Premier League 2 matches this term.

Shea Lacey earns plaudits from senior players

Shea Lacey has been one of their standout players, having scored two goals in three appearances.

The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to Manchester City jewel Phil Foden due to his close control and dribbling in tight spaces.

Injury issues hampered the Englishman’s progress in recent years. However, this season he has enjoyed better luck with fitness, and is starting to show why he’s rated so highly at Carrington.

According to the Daily Mail, Lacey has been handed frequent opportunities to train with the seniors after shining at academy level.

It is revealed that first-team stars have been impressed by Lacey’s technical level.

Meanwhile, Harry Maguire has “taken it upon himself to help Lacey settle into the senior group and act as a sounding board.”

The report states: “United are eager to take a slow and steady approach when it comes to Lacey, particularly in terms of managing his minutes, after injuries in recent years.”

Lacey primarily plays out wide. However, he has the technical prowess to make a difference in the middle of the park as well, especially considering the majority of United’s first team midfielders lack composure in possession and are easy to press and dispossess.

As such, it seems Lacey’s fitness and form are coming together at the perfect time.

Vitek finds his feet in the Championship

United could also do with a new goalkeeper despite the arrival of Senne Lammens.

Signed from Royal Antwerp on deadline day, the Belgian youngster is yet to win over Ruben Amorim’s trust, who continues to start the shaky Altay Bayındır.

Accordingly, Radek Vítek could emerge as a serious candidate for the starting spot between the sticks at United in the near future.

The 21-year-old academy product, currently on loan at Bristol City, has made a solid start to life in the Championship, having already established himself as the Robins’ first-choice shot-stopper.

The Czech keeper has kept three clean sheets in his first eight appearances for Bristol.

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