Those at Manchester United have told Rúben Amorim that he must start utilising one of their Academy stars, or he will be sent on loan in January.
Manchester United’s Academy is packed with promising youngsters at the moment, with fans eager to see how several of them develop.
Right now, the biggest focus is on those breaking into the Under-18s, with 14-year-old JJ Gabriel attracting the most attention.
Before Gabriel burst onto the scene, however, it was Shea Lacey who had everyone talking. The left-footed winger stood out for his superb technique and close control.
Lacey, now 18, made an impression when he featured for Rúben Amorim’s first team on the post-season tour of Asia, though an injury ruled him out of pre-season.
Injuries have unfortunately been a recurring issue for him over the last two years, but he’ll be aiming to finally put that behind him and push forward this season.
United set Amorim with Lacey deadline
Many were disappointed to learn that Lacey was not included in Manchester United’s 2025 tour squad across the United States.
Although the reason for his absence was injury, other first-team players who were injured, such as Joshua Zirkzee, travelled with the team, leaving some baffled at Lacey’s snub from the overall travelling squad.
However, recent reports have suggested that there is now growing optimism that Lacey is getting closer to a first-team chance, with the 18-year-old one of the most highly-rated players in the Academy.
Lacey, who club captain Bruno Fernandes personally took under his wing during pre-season, has been impressing during training, with UnitedInFocus reporting that the club already see him as ready for first-team football.
United are said to have set a deadline to head coach Amorim that he must start using Lacey as part of his first team squad before January, or they will look to send him on loan to a club abroad.
First-team chances are difficult for Lacey
Plenty of young prospects at United are waiting for a first-team chance, but opportunities have been scarce since the club failed to qualify for the Champions League and crashed out of the Carabao Cup in August.
Missing out on the Champions League has also kept United’s Academy sides out of the UEFA Youth League this season, further restricting valuable development time.
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Despite spending over £200 million in the summer, Amorim’s first-team squad are in disarray, sitting 14th in the table with just four points from four matches.
With pressure mounting, the head coach needs results and is expected to rely on his senior attackers to deliver after the club’s investment in a new frontline.
As a result, a loan move for Lacey looks the most realistic way to accelerate his path into senior football, though United’s hierarchy remain intent on making him a permanent part of the first-team squad in the near future.
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