Rio Ferdinand explains why United player with “bundles of ability” is “a breath of fresh air”

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has waxed lyrical about youngster Shea Lacey, whom he branded a “breath of fresh air.” Lacey making big strides Lacey’s recent accomplishments at United are the product of years of development, with the teenager consistently seen as a premier talent emerging from the academy. He has made three senior appearances for United and has not looked out of place even once. He came off the bench against Burnley and immediately troubled the Clarets’ defence, almost winning it for United with a magnificent curling shot that cannoned off the post. Lacey was subsequently called upon to make an impact during Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, marking his Old Trafford debut. Once again, he made an impact for the Red Devils. The forward brought about an energy that had been lacking through his willingness to take defenders on and deliver crosses into the box. However, he was given his marching orders for two bookable offences, leaving United reduced to 10 men –  a harsh lesson he will undoubtedly learn from. Darren Fletcher noted that Lacey is United’s future and Ferdinand has also hailed the starlet’s bravery. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Ferdinand explained that Lacey’s fearlessness stems from his lack of past scars from failure and disappointment. Ferdinand raves about Lacey The United great remarked, “Do you know the thing about him which jumps out to me? He’s confident and has belief in his ability, and he’s got bundles of ability because we’ve been watching him for a couple of years now in the youth academy.” “But he’s the only one when you see him out there, he doesn’t have deep scars of regimes before, of past managers. He’s just come in, and he doesn’t have any of that baggage.” “He doesn’t have all of that in his mind. His mindset is free of all that, and he’s just come in clear going, ‘I just need to play well’, and that’s a breath of fresh air. There isn’t any hiding or thinking, ‘I don’t want to make a mistake’. He’s out there thinking, ‘give me the ball, I just want to do something, I don’t know what it is, but get me the ball, and I’ll do something.’” Ferdinand added, “And when he gets it, he does look a threat. I hope he doesn’t get pushed back into the Under-21s when Mbeumo and Amad come back. It will be interesting to see what they do with him.” United are next in action on Saturday when they host neighbours Manchester City in the early kick-off. 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 Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!