Michael Carrick isn’t set to see his Manchester United options bolstered in the January transfer market, meaning he may well have to lean on youth during his caretaker reign
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
06:00, 17 Jan 2026
Michael Carrick has been told to utilise one emerging gem from Manchester United’s academy(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United star Clayton Blackmore believes academy prospect Shea Lacey deserves more first-team chances. This follows reports suggesting the club’s hierarchy aren’t planning to splash out on new recruits this month.
Lacey made his senior bow against Aston Villa last month and has displayed great potential in his limited appearances. Yet the youngster experienced a nightmare moment during the recent 2-1 home loss to Brighton in the FA Cup when he received a red card after two cautions in rapid succession.
Michael Carrick faces mounting pressure to maximise United’s existing squad after taking over from Ruben Amorim as caretaker boss. But with the club appearing reluctant to spend in the transfer window, Blackmore reckons an emerging talent like Lacey could become crucial in the months ahead.
“I like the lad Lacey,” he told the Manchester Evening News, via Stake. “His family are Liverpool fans. He’s from Liverpool. He’s the only one in the family who supports United. So that’s got to be an edge for him. I’m looking forward to seeing him playing more.
“That’s the good thing [Darren] Fletcher has done. He’s brought him in and we were thinking, ‘Wow, where’s he been? Why are you not playing him?’ You can’t not play him because of his age. It’s like Sir Matt Busby said, ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.’”
READ MORE: Man Utd get fresh Shea Lacey red card verdict as former referee says ‘I would prefer’READ MORE: Michael Carrick promotes Man Utd youngster to first team on eve of Man City clash
Lacey, who’s suspended for Saturday’s derby against Manchester City, was just 15 when he made his debut for United’s under-18s. And he’s once again ahead of the curve after making an impact on the first team at just 18 years of age.
Despite the disappointment following his dismissal against Brighton, he’s already given fans plenty to cheer about. In fact, there’s even a silver lining to his sending off in the FA Cup. It shows a fierce determination to fight for the club, something that has been criticised as lacking in other players in recent years.
Shea Lacey had a moment to forget following his red card off the bench during the recent defeat to Brighton(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Moreover, Lacey took responsibility for the incident, posting on social media: “I want to apologise to all of my teammates staff and the fans. I let everybody down tonight I shouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me I will do everything I can to make this right.”
His words show a level of accountability beyond his years, another quality that has sometimes been missing from the squad. Blackmore, who made 241 appearances for United and has both Premier League and FA Cup titles under his belt, likes what he’s seen so far, and Fletcher used his brief tenure at the helm to put Lacey firmly on the radar.
However, Lacey faces a tough challenge for prominence in his preferred right wing position under Carrick. Bryan Mbeumo, back in the squad after his Africa Cup of Nations duties, is the clear favourite for that role, with Amad Diallo as backup.
Clayton Blackmore is a big fan of the Liverpool-born starlet(Image: Matthew Ashton/AMA/Corbis via Getty Images)
Lacey has also demonstrated his potential in central positions, as well as showcasing a lethal left foot. This was evident during the recent 2-2 draw against Burnley, where he fired off a stunning shot from the edge of the box that ricocheted off Martin Dubravka’s crossbar.
Carrick might be hoping his academy will churn out similar talents in central midfield or full-back positions, where United are in need. However, Lacey’s recent performances suggest he has the makings of a first-team player and could make a significant impact in the coming months.
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