Ruben Amorim has called up Manchester United academy prospect Shea Lacey to first-team training ahead of their clash with Everton, according to United in Focus.
The Portuguese tactician will be looking to prolong United’s unbeaten run of five games on Monday night, when the Red Devils host David Moyes’ side in a Premier League encounter.
With less than a month left until the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim could potentially give more opportunities to youngsters at the turn of the year, as he is set to lose the trio of Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui.
Spots in the first-team squad will likely open up for youngsters as a result, with both Lacey and Jack Fletcher now reportedly in contention to become this season’s first academy debutants after their recent involvement in training.
Lacey and Fletcher Called Up to Man United Training
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Both Lacey and Fletcher have already been involved in Manchester United first-team training this term and were called up by Amorim again as the squad prepares for their game against Everton on Monday.
Both left-footed attackers could come in handy for Amorim when United are short of options in attack with Mbeumo and Amad departing for AFCON next month.
Fletcher, an 18-year-old attacking midfielder, was already involved with the first-team squad when he made the bench for United’s 2-2 draw with Tottenham earlier this month in the absence of injured Kobbie Mainoo.
Lacey, an 18-year-old right-winger, has yet to be named in a matchday squad under Amorim but is highly regarded internally at United and has shown ‘immense’ growth in his game in recent months.
Amorim handed opportunities to several United prospects last season, including Chido Obi, Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson.
The Portuguese tactician, who took charge in November last year, has given Premier League debuts to six players aged 20 or under since, with Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu among them.
United are unbeaten in their last five Premier League games under Amorim, collecting 11 points from a possible 15 during that run.
The Red Devils will be looking to extend their positive run of results against Everton on Monday, having won five of their last six Premier League meetings.