Manchester United have one incredible youngster who has shown himself ready to step up into Ruben Amorim’s first team.
The academy at Manchester United has the potential to be in a real golden age, which could save millions in the transfer market.
Ruben Amorim has already handed out three academy debuts, and numerous young players are banging on the door of the first team this summer.
During the post-season tour of Asia, several talented teenagers showed themselves to be at a level where Amorim must consider them this summer for the pre-season tour.
By using the academy, United can ease the blow of missing out on Franco Mastantuono, who is joining Real Madrid for a total £54m package.
One player in particular is the perfect alternative for the generational Argentine.
Shea Lacey in action for Manchester United, running away from camera.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Shea Lacey can make Manchester United forget missing out on Franco Mastantuono
Mastantuono would have been an excellent signing in the right-sided number 10 position for United; however, chances are he wouldn’t be a starter anyway.
Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford are all expected to depart United this summer, which will open up the chance for youngsters already at the club to take the position that might have been Mastantuono’s.
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Shea Lacey is the player best positioned to do so.
Lacey is 18 years old; however, the past 18 months have seen him the victim of numerous different injuries. The setbacks have not stunted his development on the pitch, and when given his chance in the post-season tour, he took it with both hands.
The wonderkid looked at home playing alongside senior teammates, and his introduction was arguably the most exciting part of the tour.
If handed the chance in pre-season, Lacey could help Ineos forget Mastantuono and become a first-team player. Amorim has already shown he will trust the youth when given the chance.
Lacey has already impressed for the United first team
It is not at all that far-fetched that Lacey could be handed pre-season opportunities under Amorim this summer.
This is because the Liverpudlian United starlet was electric in the post-season tour, with Ben Thornley praising Lacey for being ‘very exciting’.
“He moves so well with the ball at his feet, a very exciting player. Very, very good close control, low centre of gravity, all the things that defenders hate.”
United fans were wowed by Lacey’s performance, with his silky dribbling and close control making him too good for the ASEAN all-stars or Hong Kong to stop.
Now, all his focus will be on staying fit, because if he does, it seems a matter of time until he nails down a spot and fills the gap of depth in the number 10 position.