Shea Lacey could be loaned out if Amorim keeps ignoring him | OneFootball

Last season, Ruben Amorim frequently turned to Manchester United’s famed academy to try and stop the rut.

In the process, the Red Devils came second in the standings of Premier League teams to hand the most minutes to teenagers, with the head coach handing debuts to the likes of Chido Obi, Harry Amass, and Tyler Fredricson.

Naturally, fans felt the Portuguese tactician would continue to do the same in his first full season in charge, but so far, he has even refrained from handing Kobbie Mainoo minutes.

Chido Obi is nowhere near the first team at this point, while Amass has been loaned out. Summer signing Diego Leon has been on the bench for two games.

Shea Lacey close to first-team breakthrough

Lots of academy wonderkids have caught Amorim’s eye, however, with Shea Lacey being one of them. There have been murmurs that the 18-year-old is edging closer to a first-team breakthrough.

But as per journalist Graeme Bailey, there is a realisation that given the tremendous pressure the ex-Sporting CP boss is under, he might not be in a position to turn to academy talents.

As a result, the club is looking at a foreign loan for the England U17 international in the January transfer window should he not be in the running for a debut by then.

“Lacey is impressing at Carrington. As a result, the club is now considering a well-placed loan move in January if he is not in the first team squad under Amorim by then.”

Could be loaned out in January

This indicates how highly INEOS value him. Coaches at Carrington feel he is ready to take the next step in his career, provided he can stay injury-free.

As U21 boss Travis Binnion said, “If he can stay on the pitch and stay training, everyone thinks he could be a top player.”

A senior loan abroad would suit Shea Lacey just fine, given his technical skills, but maybe staying in England would help him toughen up physically.

Hopefully, Amorim does hand the youngster a chance to impress, maybe in the FA Cup in case of a favourable draw.

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