Manchester United jetted out on their post-season tour of Asia just hours after concluding the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Before players can kick back for the summer, Ineos planned a post-season tour that will raise £8 million during a time when Manchester United are struggling under PSR.
The Red Devils are set to play two friendlies during the tour, with the first coming on Wednesday afternoon against the ASEAN All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur.
Amorim named a 32-man travelling squad for the tour, which includes nine unseen United academy players who could all feature.
Many of United’s academy talents could get valuable minutes in Asia, and Amorim’s open training session on Tuesday showed two youngsters who were heavily involved.
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Chido Obi and Shea Lacey star in Man United open training
The preparations for the 2025/26 season are well underway and the money-spinning tour of Asia gives Amorim a good chance to assess some of United’s younger players and judge whether they are ready to make the step up to the first team.
Chido Obi made his first-team debut in February against Tottenham and he has been a part of the Premier League matchday squads ever since.
Obi should start against ASEAN All-Stars on Wednesday as he looks to fight for a regular first-team spot next season. With eight senior appearances already, he will be hungry for more.
More United News
According to Manchester Evening News, Obi was the striker used for United’s build-up drills, with every player taking a touch before the ball was delivered to him in the 18-yard box.
They add that Obi “clipped in a fine strike” against Andre Onana during the session, while fellow academy star Shea Lacey was also “prominent” in the box as he prepares for his first senior appearance.
Shea Lacey can capitalise on Alejandro Garnacho drama
Following his comments after the Europa League final, Alejandro Garnacho has been told to find a new club, meaning Ineos could have one extra attacker to replace this summer.
With Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho already expected to leave, there will be plenty of space in United’s attacking department.
That presents a golden opportunity for 18-year-old Shea Lacey to make a long-awaited step up to the first team.
READ MORE: 10 Man Utd academy wonderkids who could become superstars under Ruben Amorim, including Amir Ibragimov
Lacey can play a big role in the post-season tour following his impressive academy campaign. Unfortunately, Lacey suffered several injury setbacks this season which has slowed his progress, but he can catch Amorim’s attention this week.
Lacey is far too good for academy football and he now has a chance this summer to prove that he deserves to follow the likes of Chido Obi through to the first-team next season.