Man Utd wonderkid Shea Lacey speaks after Erik ten Hag’s Bournemouth decision
This article contains affiliate links, and we will receive a commission on any sales we generate. Shea Lacey, a wonderkid at Manchester United, recently trained with the first-team after being promoted by Erik ten Hag.
Lacey participated in the team’s preparations for a crucial Premier League match against AFC Bournemouth. Overcoming an injury setback, Lacey’s inclusion in the senior squad demonstrates the club’s faith in its academy players.
The Liverpool-born right-winger, who can also play on the left and centrally, is poised to become the latest academy star to join the matchday squad as Manchester United prepares to introduce its 250th graduate. Alongside Lacey, Harry Amass has also been making an impact in the U18 side, with the 17-year-old left-back already featuring as an unused substitute in a recent match against Liverpool.
Dermot Mee, Habeeb Ogunneye, and Toby Collyer have also been on Ten Hag’s bench as he continues to manage youth development effectively. Lacey expressed his excitement about returning to first-team training after a long lay-off, sharing on Instagram about his tough six months and his joy at being back on the field.
He was seen training alongside United’s biggest stars and other academy success stories. Other academy players like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have also had their breakthrough moments, with Garnacho starting 31 consecutive games.
Mainoo has become a regular starter at the age of 18 and has earned two England caps. Willy Kambwala and Omari Forson, both 19, have also recently debuted.
Lacey, who has been compared to Lionel Messi and Phil Foden in terms of play style, is a strong contender to become the landmark 250th starlet to breakthrough into the first team. While Saturday’s match may be too early for him, it’s likely that supporters could see Lacey make his first-team debut before the end of the season.
