Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has trained with the first-team squad this week – and the 18-year-old has already made a strong impression on Ruben Amorim, according to a report.
Standout Starlet
A versatile left-footed attacker, Lacey is considered one of the standout prospects in United’s Academy, with a potent pairing of technical ability and attacking threat.
In full flight, he is a delight to watch with his dizzying dribbling and a maturity in possession with belies his age.
A deadly ability from free-kicks or striking the ball from distance only adds to his growing repertoire of weapons with a football.
A serious thigh injury halted Lacey’s progress last year while he picked up further minor issues after returning to action. The youngster is also undersized, even for youth football, and has been waiting for his physicality to catch up to his outstanding technical skillset.
This combination has slowed Lacey’s ascension through the ranks at Old Trafford – but that may now be set to change after he caught Amorim’s eye in training.
Ruben has been impressed
Centre Devils reports Lacey has trained with the senior squad this week and “impressed” Amorim and his coaching staff with his performances – a reflection of his already sky-high reputation at Old Trafford.
“The club view him as one of the best talents in their entire academy. While this doesn’t necessarily mean he will be included in first-team squads imminently, it is certainly a step in the right direction for the youngster’s confidence and great experience.
“If Lacey can manage to battle against his injuries, he could have a real opportunity to push to make his debut this season.”
The options for United to integrate academy stars into matchday squads is limited this season by the absence of European football and the early exit from the Carabao Cup.
This had led to reports suggesting players like Lacey could consider loans in January in the hunt for more first-team opportunities.
But if the talented youngster continues to impress the head coach at Old Trafford, at a time when the senior team needs more attacking threat, those opportunities may come sooner rather than later.
Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
