One of Manchester United’s teenage stars is reportedly closing in on further involvement with Rúben Amorim’s first team as the season progresses.
Manchester United’s Academy is brimming with exciting prospects right now, with supporters keeping a close eye on the progress of several emerging stars.
Much of the spotlight is currently on the latest talents stepping up to the Under-18s, particularly 14-year-old JJ Gabriel, who has quickly become the most talked-about name.
Before Gabriel’s rise, though, it was Shea Lacey who drew all the attention. The left-footed winger captivated fans with his exceptional close control and technical ability.
Now 18, Lacey caught the eye when he featured for Rúben Amorim’s first team during the post-season tour of Asia, but injury kept him out of the pre-season campaign.
Unfortunately, injuries have been a recurring theme in his career over the past two years, though he will be determined to put that behind him and make this season a turning point.
Lacey close to first-team involvement
On Tuesday evening, United’s U21s kicked off their 2025/26 National League Cup campaign with a fixture against National League side Brackley Town.
Once the teams were announced, some were concerned that Lacey was not involved, worried that the talented player had suffered another injury.
After Lacey impressed during the Club’s post-season tour of Malaysia and Hong Kong, many hoped to see the young star given further game-time by Amorim during pre-season.
However, the head coach left the “world-class talent” out of the tour squad that travelled to the United States due to injury. But, this snub still surprised many, as others such as Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui, and Lisandro Martínez all travelled despite being injured themselves.
However, MailSport’s Nathan Salt, who regularly covers United’s Academy fixtures, confirmed that Lacey was not injured. In fact, Salt explained that there is increasing optimism that the 18-year-old is getting closer to joining the first team.
For anyone concerned, I’m told Shea Lacey is not injured despite not being involved tonight for the U21s.
Increasing optimism he’s getting closer to the first team group #mufc https://t.co/4f5TTtCTOP
— Nathan Salt (@NathSalt1) September 16, 2025
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United have shot themselves in the foot with Academy development
Numerous young stars at United are eager for a chance in the first team. However, following United’s failure to qualify for the Champions League and their exit from the Carabao Cup in August, Academy players have seen little opportunity to play.
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Another unfortunate consequence of not playing in the Champions League this season is that United’s Academy sides are not even in the UEFA Youth League, which limits their development time further.
The National League Cup will give the U18s and U21s players a chance to play against first-team and senior players. Still, with Amorim looking to play senior players in the Premier League so far this season, there is little room for the likes of Lacey, Chido Obi, and others to have an impact.
While many of the Academy stars will dream of playing for United’s first team, if they do not get chances and a show of faith from the first-team head coach in the coming months, some may look to switch allegiances to kick-start and further their senior careers.
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