Manchester United scored a comfortable and comprehensive victory against Wolves on Monday night, which was the perfect chance for Ruben Amorim to debut Shea Lacey.
Despite some first-half concerns, the game was wrapped up in the 82nd minute when Bruno Fernandes made it 4-1 for Manchester United.
This made it an easy walk to the finish line for United, and Ruben Amorim could have used this opportunity to give Shea Lacey his debut in a no-pressure environment.
However, instead, the head coach brought on Joshua Zirkzee and Patrick Dorgu. This is understandable as senior players need minutes, but it feels like a missed opportunity.
Shea Lacey during warm-up for Manchester United.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Diogo Dalot encourages Shea Lacey
Four consecutive games on the first-team bench for Lacey have thus far resulted in zero minutes, but realistically, against Wolves was the only suitable moment to give him a pressure-free debut.
This meant it was frustrating not to see the youngster get his debut, and clearly, his senior teammates also believe he should be playing right now.
What are your views on Ruben Amorim not bringing Shea Lacey on vs Wolves?
Was it not the perfect time to give Lacey his debut at 4-1 up with 10 minutes to go?!
Shea Lacey during warm-up for Manchester United.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Lacey took to Instagram after the match with images but no caption, and in the replies, his teammates were sending him messages.
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Among these was Diogo Dalot, who sent a sand timer emoji to Lacey, clearly signifying that he believes that his debut is imminent.
There were also lots of fan comments along similar lines with his debut as close as it could be without actually happening.
Ruben Amorim contradicted himself for Manchester United
Amorim has been questioned over his decision not to debut Lacey in recent weeks, including after the 1-1 draw with West Ham on Thursday.
“But Lacey in difficult situations?”, Amorim asked the journalist who asked him about the call not to use Lacey in that game.
However, against Wolves, 4-1 up was far from a difficult situation, which surely should have seen Lacey handed his first appearance for the club.
Amorim could have scored an easy win by making this decision, as the fanbase is desperate to see it happen, but he ultimately decided not to.
Lacey’s debut will come for United, and likely soon.
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