Shea Lacey once beat Lamine Yamal to a player of the tournament award when he was growing up, and is being tipped to be the next big thing coming out of Manchester United
Shea Lacey of Manchester United U21 arrives ahead of the Premier League 2 match between Manchester United U21 and Tottenham Hotspur U21 at Progress with Unity Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Leigh, England
Shea Lacey could become a key player for Man United in the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad
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Shea Lacey could quickly establish himself as a key player for Manchester United in the coming weeks. With Bryan Mbeumo and Amad heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations, and Ruben Amorim eager to replenish his attacking options, the 18-year-old winger looks set to finally make his senior debut for his boyhood club.
Before he began pushing for a place in the first team, Lacey had already built a significant following on social media. As the teenager climbed the ranks in the academy, he attracted lots of attention online, with highlight packages of his games often going viral.
Lacey, who once beat Lamine Yamal to a player of the tournament award growing up, eventually got his first taste of senior football in the summer, joining Ruben Amorim's side for a post-season tour of Asia. The England youth international caught the eye, earning himself a place in the United squad in pre-season, with many inside the club said to be excited by his trajectory.
As the new Premier League campaign got underway, Lacey returned to the under-21s, where he has since scored three goals and provided two assists in nine appearances. With Mbeumo and Amad set to feature at the Africa Cup of Nations next month, a senior debut for the youngster beckons.
Amorim could even name Lacey in the United squad for Monday night's clash against Everton at Old Trafford. The Portuguese tactician has previously expressed his confidence in the teenager, claiming he's ready to 'step up'.
Ahead of the Reds' clash against David Moyes' side, Amorim was asked how he'll manage the departures of Mbeumo and Amad. He said: "I think it is going to be hard, but then, that is the good thing of the experience.
Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has impressed this season
The noise coming out of Manchester United is positive for Shea Lacey(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"We lived so many limitations last year. We changed in January and we didn’t bring the players, then we had the injury of Amad for four months, all these things. We are prepared for that. It will be hard for us, but we have different baggage to deal with that.
"Guys like Jack Fletcher, Shea [Lacey], they can step up. 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."
On the academy, Amorim added: "First of all, I’m not preparing the Academy, they are preparing the Academy. We are paying more attention to them, we are talking with them. That is so important to change information about the players, what they need, how they behave.
"To call a kid for the first team, they need to behave really well. This connection is really important. We are trying to do that. We are putting everything in place; nutrition is for the Academy, it starts now. In our club, that is something that should be basic.
Shea Lacey of England and Loris Giandomenico of Switzerland battle for possession during the international friendly match at St Georges Park
Manchester United prospect Shea Lacey in action on his England Under-20s debut against Switzerland
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"So, all these things we are doing, and they are doing their job. I have more time with them in training, so I’m more confident with them. When we put these kids to play in the Premier League, they will struggle, but they will struggle less, I think.
"Everyone in the Academy is doing very well in the moment."
Lacey is managed by the same talent management agency which looks after Wayne Rooney. And, the United legend is more than aware of the teenager's potential, having called him earlier this year to say: "You're doing brilliant, keep doing what you're doing."
The United prospect was called up to train with England at St. George's Park by Thomas Tuchel during the international break. When pressed on Lacey's development, Amorim claimed he's been delighted with his development.
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"I’m really happy with him, I think he struggled a little bit with injuries," said the United boss. "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."