When listing the most talented academy players currently at Manchester United, it is impossible to ignore Shea Lacey.
There is arguably no player within Carrington possessing more natural raw talent than the Liverpool-born wonderkid.
Shea Lacey is the kind of talent to be labelled generational, and when he plays, often the 17-year-old looks unstoppable. This season, in particular, his brief appearances for Manchester United have shown him to be far too good for youth football.
For all of his talent, Lacey’s season has been derailed by injury. The talent has made a handful of appearances, with each return inevitably scuppered by new problems.
Lacey is considered to be first-team ready, although first, he needs to prove he can remain fit in order to be able to make the step-up.
Photo by Zohaib Alam - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Shea Lacey positive update for Manchester United
Lacey has been out of action for over a month, which was a big blow for fans who had hoped his latest return in January would be a long-lasting one.
Now, according to the Manchester Evening News, this is not due to an injury setback. Rather, the club are carefully managing his workload and return in order to protect his long-term future.
Lacey is seen as a player with the required talent to break into the first team at Old Trafford, which explains the very smart move to keep him out of action and likely have him working to build fitness and muscle to ensure he can return for good.
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United tied Lacey down to a professional contract at the quickest possible opportunity when he turned 17. Since then, football has been limited, but it is claimed the club is happy with Lacey’s progress and where he is right now while being cautious to protect him long term.
Lacey turns 18 next month and still has plenty of time to get back on track, but he will be desperate for the slow return to prove successful and ultimately leave him ready to make good on his potential.
Where does Shea Lacey rank in Manchester United’s academy wonderkids
Prior to the injuries, Lacey was by far the youngster that fans were most excited by, and he looked destined to become world-class. Lacey has been impressive for years, but where does his potential rank among others yet to debut?
Amir Ibragimov
Shea Lacey
Bendito Mantato
Jack Fletcher
JJ Gabriel
In terms of certainty of an academy talent making it, Lacey is second only to Amir Ibragimov, who looks destined to become top tier.
The only thing which could stop Lacey from making it for United is his fitness, which explains why United are being so careful; they know he has the talent and just needs the help physically.
Hopefully, he can make a few appearances before the season ends and then get a chance under Ruben Amorim in pre-season.