The depth of talent in Manchester United’s academy continues producing like a conveyor belt of talent.
Alejandro Garnacho’s falling out with Ruben Amorim is something the player will likely look back on in future years with regret.
On one hand it is a great disappointment for United to lose a player with such promise, who made his way through United’s academy since transferring from Atletico Madrid in 2020.
From a different perspective, Manchester United will move on. One player has already sent a message that there is a new academy winger ready to start fulfilling his great potential.
Shea Lacey dribbles the ball in training against Matheus Cunha
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Shea Lacey stars for Manchester United under-21s
Shea Lacey is one of the most talked about talents in Manchester United’s academy, a player who scored his first under-18s goal at just 15.
The England youth international is an exciting winger who featured in the under-18s title winning squad in 2023/24.
The only problem he has faced has been injuries, which denied him a spot on Manchester United’s 2025 pre-season tour.
Now fit again, Lacey was involved for Manchester United’s under-21s in the mini-derby with City on August 31, and made a game-changing impact.
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Lacey’s hard work down the right-hand side led to him whipping in a cross which the City goalkeeper failed to clear, allowing Amir Ibragimov to score the winner.
It was a reminder that despite the niggling injury problems, Lacey is a top talent who Manchester United must continue to nurture.
Still only 18-years-old, Lacey was making his under-21s debut for Manchester United, coming off the bench for the final 18 minutes of the game.
That was all he needed to make an impact, delivering the cross that saw United build on Chido Obi’s opening goal and win the game.
Shea Lacey has already caught Ruben Amorim’s eye
Shea Lacey is a player who has already caught the attention of Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim
Lacey was selected as a starter on Manchester United’s postseason tour, and made an impression with a brief but lively performance.
It is quite apparent that Lacey has the talent, and he just needs a run now where he can stay injury-free and get a block of games at under-21 level.
Manchester United’s first team can always benefit from exciting creative players, and Alejandro Garnacho’s exit makes the path a little clearer for Lacey, a bright homegrown star.