18yo winger scores stunning hat-trick in new manager’s first game as United U21s remain top of the table

Manchester United Under-21s took on West Bromwich Albion Under-21s on Monday night at Damson Park. It was a top-of-the-table versus bottom-of-the-table clash as United looked to extend their lead, while West Brom were searching for just their second league win this season. Shea Lacey dropped back down to play for the Under-21s as several players, including captain Jacob Devaney, head out on loan on transfer deadline day. First half The hosts took an early lead through Souleyman Mandey, with the Austrian youth international finishing from close range past Dermot Mee in just the fourth minute. Lacey levelled the score in the 11th minute, getting on the end of Jack Fletcher’s delivery across goal to finish at the back post. A blunder at the back for West Brom almost gave United the lead when Kevin Mfuamba headed onto his own crossbar from Jayce Fitzgerald’s cross. Lacey was the key man for United on the night and a nightmare for the West Brom defenders, who could not keep up with him. They eventually fouled Lacey in the area to concede a penalty late in the half. The 18-year-old stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot to score his second of the match. Second half United ran away with it in the second half, led by Lacey who completed his hat-trick less than ten minutes after the restart. Jack Fletcher switched the ball to Lacey out wide, who cut inside past his marker and curled the ball past the keeper. Fitzgerald’s dangerous delivery into the box was fumbled into the goal by West Brom’s keeper Brian Okonkwo for United’s fourth. Louie Bradbury came off the bench late on to score his first goal for the Under-21s, slotting in the rebound following Jack Fletcher’s effort on goal. A dampener on the night came just before the 90th minute, as Fitzgerald picked up his second yellow card of the night and was sent off. But it was a convincing three points for United in Adam Lawrence’s first match in charge after returning to the club, leaving United top of the Premier League 2 table. Match facts United: Mee, Kamason (Helafau 82), Aljofree (C), Jackson (Armer 79), Leon, T. Fletcher (McCormack 79), Fitzgerald, J. Fletcher, Lacey, Sharpe, Obi (Bradbury 69) Unused subs: Heath. Goals: Lacey 11, 39, 54, own goal 72. Booked: Lacey 19, Obi 41, Fitzgerald 84. Red card: Fitzgerald 89. Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Colm Murphy A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years. You can follow him X: RedYouthUnited.