By WILL PICKWORTH, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 13:26 EST, 11 January 2026 | Updated: 13:32 EST, 11 January 2026
Shea Lacey endured an Old Trafford debut to forget as he was sent off after picking up two yellow cards, just 27 minutes after coming off the bench.
Lacey, 18, is highly rated at United and several fans have been clamouring for the young forward to get more minutes amid the team's struggles and his own promising cameos at Aston Villa and Burnley.
Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher subsequently turned to Lacey after 62 minutes of Sunday's FA Cup tie against Brighton, with the Red Devils 1-0 down at the time as he replaced Mason Mount.
However, perhaps over-eager to make an impact, Lacey was booked for catching Brighton star Brajan Gruda late in the 87th minute,before a second yellow card followed just two minutes later for dissent.
As Seagulls defender Ferdi Kadioglu attempted to shield the ball out for a throw-in, Lacey shoved the Turkish international in the back and was penalised by referee Simon Hooper.
Lacey then picked up the ball and slammed it into the ground in a clear show of dissent, with Hooper left with no choice but to hand out a second yellow card.
Lacey looked devastated by his moment of madness as he ran across the field and straight down the Old Trafford tunnel.
As he neared the edge of the pitch, the 18-year-old pulled his shirt over his face, although he was applauded by the home crowd.
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