Amorim reveals ‘very special’ Man Utd teenager is ‘ready’ for debut amidst double injury concern

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim admits Shea Lacey could finally feature for the senior team against West Ham United.The Red Devils will be aiming to improve their standing when they host the Hammers for a Premier League contest on Thursday evening.The good news for Amorim is that Matheus Cunha is back in the squad. However, Benjamin Sesko and Harry Maguire remain out, while two players are in doubt, but the manager refused to reveal their names.Amorim believes Shea Lacey is ‘ready’ for Man United debutThe 40-year-old was also asked about Lacey, a Man Utd U21 player who has trained with the first team on several occasions.The young attacker is considered one of the finest young players to emerge from Carrington in recent years. He has been described as a ‘very special’ talent.Amorim insisted the 18-year-old is ready to play if his services are required, but warns him that the senior level is immensely tougher than playing against fellow youngsters.“I try to explain (to the young players) every day how to play. If you’re comfortable and don’t have any doubts when you are playing that will help the kids,” said the Portuguese manager in his pre-match press conference on Wednesday via the Manchester Evening News.“Then to work the physicality, the speed of the pressure, the moments to have the ball and pass the ball is completely different to U-21s. He (Lacey) will have the chance, I don’t know, but he’s ready to play.”Will Lacey get his senior debut against West Ham?Having already impressed Amorim in training, Shea’s opportunity will come sooner or later. As for Thursday’s contest against West Ham, the teenager’s fate could hinge on the identity of the players in doubt and whether they manage to recover in time. Lacey’s career stats Appearances Goals Assists Man Utd U18 32 7 7 Man Utd UEFA U19 4 0 2 Man Utd U21 9 3 2 Lacey is a left-footed player who enjoys playing as a right winger, but can also feature on the opposite flank, or as an attacking midfielder. So if there’s any shortage in one of these roles, Lacey could be called upon.In any case, his services will likely be required when his fellow right-wingers, Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, depart for the African Cup of Nations in the coming weeks.