This season has seen a real lack of academy involvement within Manchester United’s first team, but a number of players are on the cusp.
Ruben Amorim’s 2025/26 has been a complete disaster, with one win in the opening five games and three defeats.
The senior players are once again letting Manchester United down, and traditionally, when this has happened at the club, the academy has saved managers.
Amorim has yet to turn to the academy; however, sooner or later, he might have to in an effort to save his position as head coach.
In this event, United staff see Jim Thwaites as one potentially ready to step up, while the 17-year-old is not alone.
The Fletcher twins, Jack and Tyler, have both been in first-team sessions regularly, with midfield clearly the position that Amorim is considering for a promotion.
But there is another who is quite simply ready to make a huge impact within United’s first team.
Bendito Mantato and Shea Lacey stand together during Manchester United pre-season training.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Shea Lacey is impressing Manchester United as first-team debut considered
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Finally, at the end of last season, Lacey caught Amorim’s eye as he managed to remain fit for an extended period, something which has been the only hurdle preventing him from senior football.
Now, this season, Lacey scored a brilliant goal against a PFA XI, which was packed with professionals and now discussion has turned toward the 18-year-old finally being moved toward 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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Nathan Salt has reported that Lacey is nearing a first-team position after he missed out on playing for the U21s this week.
United in Focus can exclusively reveal via Graeme Bailey that Lacey is impressing at Carrington. As a result, the club is now considering a well-placed loan move in January if he is not in the first team squad under Amorim by then.
Lacey has been the star of the academy for a long time, and United sees him as ready for first-team football. However, if he is unable to get that at Old Trafford, a loan abroad for the second half of the season is on the table.
United have made it clear that with the first team’s struggles, it is difficult to promote players, with a few on the cusp.
Amorim being set a deadline to use Lacey or he goes on loan is a sign that the club are convinced of his readiness for the next level.
Shea Lacey has the world at his feet if he remains injury-free
In terms of his talent and attitude, there is no doubt that Lacey is going to be a phenomenal footballer in his career, but he needs to keep fit.
Lacey is “very exciting”, Ben Thornley has proudly declared on MUTV, along with explaining that he has everything defenders hate.
The Liverpudlian can score, assist, and has the intensity and grit off the ball, which Amorim will love.
Lacey could easily become better than Jadon Sancho at United, and he would already be a first-teamer if he weren’t unlucky with injuries.
With United’s senior attackers faltering, Lacey could be the perfect wildcard to bring up as the back-up to Bryan Mbeumo, with his electric dribbling and trickery off the bench a tantalising prospect.
However, if this isn’t in the cards this season, a loan to Spain, Germany, or Portugal, for example, could aid his development massively.