Man United youngster Shea Lacey has a bright future ahead of him but his minutes have been limited this season.
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Lacey is one of the most exciting talents in the academy.
(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
Manchester United's exciting youngster Shea Lacey hasn't suffered an injury setback and is being carefully handled to protect his long-term future.
Lacey was tied down to a professional contract at the earliest possible stage last year and he is viewed as someone with the required talent to break into the first-team at Old Trafford.
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The youngster missed the start of a season due to a small muscle injury and he's been carefully handled since his return.
That has limited Lacey's minutes during this campaign, but it's understood United are happy with where he is and are being cautious to protect his long-term future.
United consider Lacey a future first-team prospect and have been protective of the playmaker this term, wanting to ensure that the youngster's hamstring is not in any discomfort.
Lacey last played for the Under-18s against Blackburn on February 22. He started in that 2-1 victory and was brought off at half-time by Adam Lawrence, which was a pre-planned substitution.
A few weeks before that game, Lacey made an impressive cameo from the bench against Liverpool in the league, toying with the opposition on the right wing and coming close to scoring.
Lacey made another substitute appearance against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup Round of 16, but he was absent from quarter-final squad against Arsenal.
The U18s play Aston Villa in the semi-finals on Monday night, however, getting Lacey back up to speed in league fixtures is the priority.
The 17-year-old has predominately played on the right wing, but coaches in the academy like to challenge youngsters in different positions across the attack and Lacey is versatile.
Lacey has generated immense interest in the last few years because followers of the academy are excited about his potential.
There have been comparisons made between Lacey and Phil Foden and, just like the Manchester City star, Lacey's long-term future could be as an attacking midfielder.
The youngster was born in Merseyside and comes from a family of Liverpool fans, but he's a United supporter and grew up idolising multi-Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
He has also represented England and starred for their Under-15 and Under-16 teams.
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