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Shea Lacey has been labelled a permanent first-team player recently by Adam Lawrence, and now it seems his Manchester United senior return is imminent.
Speaking during the international break, Adam Lawrence said Shea Lacey is a first-team player, and that he needs to plead with Michael Carrick to let the 18-year-old represent the U21s now.
Lacey showed flashes of brilliance against Real Madrid Castilla, proving why Manchester United rate him so highly.
Injury has prevented Lacey from furthering his first-team exploits this season, but now it looks like he is set for another run in the team.
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Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images Shea Lacey could now make Manchester United senior return
Having stepped down to the U21 side against Castilla, it was always likely that Lacey’s presence was due to the game being high stakes at Old Trafford.
Lacey was frustrated to be substituted off in the game, and on Friday night, United lost to Newcastle without the winger prospect.
To be absent from the U21 squad, not even on the bench, implies that Lacey could make his long awaited return to the senior side this Monday when United face Leeds United.
Lacey has been banging on Carrick’s door with his U21 performances this season, with nine goals and four assists at the level despite spending half the season either out or with the first-team.
Even in his first-team outings, Lacey left Gary Neville stunned with his ability, wondering where the teenager has been all season.
Now, Carrick should be looking to unleash Lacey for the finale of this season over the next seven games, easing him in for a more substantial role next season.
Lawrence not including him vs Newcastle U21 is a clear indication that he will be in contention to play against Leeds.
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Lacey is more than ready to step up for United, as he has proven with his limited minutes to date, with injury and his red card halting his breakout.
So it wouldn’t be performative minutes for Lacey, instead it would be Carrick setting himself up for the future by integrating a tier one academy prospect.
Carrick looks likely to get the permanent job, and so getting Lacey into the fold and accustomed to senior football would be perfect to then unleash him properly in the cups next season in rotation with Amad.
Lacey will be a big player for United next season, so Carrick should get the ball rolling by giving him minutes against Leeds and in subsequent games to see out this season.
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