Manchester United were beaten by Everton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with Ruben Amorim's side suffering a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford
Manchester United head coach / manager Ruben Amorim during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on November 24, 2025 in Manchester, England
Ruben Amorim has heaped praise on Manchester United's next generation(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Manchester United's return from the international break was marred by a disappointing defeat to Everton at Old Trafford. Despite having strung together three victories and two draws, Ruben Amorim's side couldn't maintain their unbeaten run.
The Premier League table remains wide open, with teams vying to seize control. However, United's hopes of doing so were dashed as they succumbed to defeat against a side under the stewardship of their former manager, David Moyes.
This came despite an early dismissal for Idrissa Gueye, who saw red for striking teammate Michael Keane in the match's early stages. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's goal gave Everton the lead a few moments later, presenting a challenge that United failed to overcome.
Despite the worrying loss, there was a glimmer of hope on the bench. Amid the chaos at Old Trafford, academy starlet Shea Lacey found a spot in the matchday squad for the first time.
Tipped for greatness, the England Under-20s international is the latest youth product who could make a significant impact. This could prove crucial in the coming weeks, especially with AFCON seeing Bryan Mbeumo and Amad depart to represent their respective nations in the tournament.
Lacey and Jack Fletcher could play a key role in filling the void left by departing players, highlighting the importance of the academy during challenging times. This comes despite David Moyes' assertion that United has strayed from its roots, with a nod to Sir Alex Ferguson.
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 United in the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad(Image: Photo by Poppy Townson - MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Before Monday evening's clash, he told reporters: "The history of Manchester United was not [one of change]. Manchester United had a great culture. They stuck with their managers; they brought through their own academy boys.
"They actually had some of the best characteristics of what you would want your club to have: good values. Sir Alex had great values at Manchester United and, over the years, those values he established needed some time to come through as well.
"It was always a club with brilliant values, with an understanding about bringing their young players through and developing them in the right way."
David Moyes celebrates following victory in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
David Moyes celebrates following victory in the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton. Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
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While this may be a critique of United's recent approach, it doesn't apply to Amorim's tenure at the club. The excessive changes seen previously are absent, and it's evident how crucial it is for the manager to properly support the youth players.
Lacey and Fletcher could be the latest examples, with Amorim heaping significant praise on the former ahead of the Everton fixture. The United boss said: "I'm really happy with him.
"I think he struggled a little bit with injuries, they did a very good job balancing his body, you can sense that he can manage more load during training.
Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has impressed this season
Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has impressed this season(Image: Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"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, at Premier League games, with the pressure it's harder, so they need to be ready."
It's evident that Amorim understands the development required for Man United academy prospects - not just providing them with chances, but ensuring they transition into senior football appropriately. This became even more apparent when discussing Chido Obi's circumstances.
The young forward made seven Premier League appearances last campaign, yet hasn't featured in a matchday squad this term. Amorim said: "Yeah, of course [Obi can step up], he played last year. I think it was too soon, we didn't have a team.
Chido Obi applauds the fans at the end of the pre-season friendly match between Manchester United and ACF Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
Chido Obi continues to impress for Manchester United's development side in a message to Ruben Amorim.
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"That we can put a young kid with 16, that he will not struggle, or will struggle a little bit, was completely necessary to do that. The perfect conditions.
"We have the opportunity and we seek that opportunity for the kids, so he's one of the guys, but I think he started too soon. And sometimes it's hard to deal with that, with the kids, because they think that I'm already here. No, you are here for necessity and we need to be careful also with that."
While Man United have been criticised for straying from their traditions in recent years, Amorim is evidently investing significant effort into planning how the academy prospects can be integrated.
This youth development strategy could prove vital in the immediate term for managing squad gaps, whilst over time, it might help restore the club to its former standing.