Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey could become the first academy player to make his first-team debut this season.
Manchester United’s Premier League campaign resumes against Everton on Monday night, and it is the first of a hectic eight-game period.
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However, United are set to lose Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui to AFCON next month, which will leave Ruben Amorim short of options.
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While the trio are away, it is a golden opportunity for Amorim to lean on United’s exciting academy stars, especially Shea Lacey.
Manchester United U18 v Chelsea U18: FA Youth Cup 5th Round
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim hints at Shea Lacey debut
Ahead of Everton’s visit to Old Trafford, Amorim included Lacey in first-team training.
According to reports, Lacey has impressed in training, and is at the front of the queue to make his senior debut.
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Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Amorim was asked how he plans to handle losing three key players to AFCON.
Shea Lacey
2025/26 Season Stats (Club & Country)
Team Opponent Goals Assists
England U20 Japan U20(Draw 1-1) 1 0
Man Utd U21 Notts County (EFL)(Won 2-0) 1 0
Man Utd U21 Tottenham U21(Won 4-1) 0 1
Man Utd U21 Barnsley (EFL)(Lost 2-5) 0 1
England U20 Switzerland U20(Lost 0-1) 0 0
Man Utd U21 Crystal Palace U21(Won 4-1) 2 0
Man Utd U21 Man City U21(Won 2-1) 0 1
Man Utd U21 Other 4 Matches(Liverpool, Lincoln, Blackburn, Bilbao) 0 0
COMBINED TOTAL 4 3
Data sourced from United In Focus, Transfermarkt & Soccerway (Nov 2025)
“Guys like Jack Fletcher, Shea [Lacey], they can step up,” Amorim said.
“We can send, at the same time, a message to everyone here in the Academy that this is the future. But we are going to struggle, and we have to be prepared for that.”
When asked specifically about Lacey’s progress, Amorim added: “I’m really happy with him, I think he struggled a little bit with injuries.
“He did a very good job balancing his body. You can sense he can manage more load during training. He has a lot of talent, but when they come here, they can sense the speed is completely different, so they need to spend more time with us to be prepared because our trainings are hard, but Premier League games with pressure are harder. So, they need to be ready.”
Where Shea Lacey will play for Man United
Amorim is clearly confident that Lacey is ready for minutes in the Premier League, and he is a perfect fit to replace Mbeumo while he is away on international duty.
Lacey is a two-footed talent, making him suitable to play as the right-sided No.10 where he can both cut inside or race down the byline.
United fans were amazed by Lacey when he featured in the post-season tour of Asia in the summer. The teenage star played on the right that day, and that is where fans can expect to see him in the Premier League.
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Lacey has built on his post-season performances for United’s academy sides, including a first goal against a senior side.
If Amorim needs extra options on the right of his attack, expect Lacey to step up and compete.