Shea Lacey featured in both of Darren Fletcher’s matches as interim head coach, proving to be a silver lining in difficult times, despite getting sent off in Manchester United’s FA Cup tie against Brighton.
Manchester United teenager Shea Lacey has shown glimpses of his potential in the last two matches.
The academy graduate came close to scoring in United’s 2-2 draw with Burnley, and he impressed in the 2-1 defeat against Brighton, even though his harsh red card dominated the headlines.
What is your opinion on Shea Lacey being sent off vs Brighton?
Harsh refereeing or a silly mistake from the youngster?
Shea Lacey is shown a red card
Photo by PETER POWELL / AFP via Getty Images
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Lacey came on with United trailing by two goals, but Benjamin Sesko pulled one back before Lacey was sent for an early shower following two yellow-card offences. The final booking was for showing dissent on the pitch.
Still, Lacey has done enough to warrant more opportunities in the first team once he returns from suspension after the Manchester derby.
Shea Lacey walking toward the tunnel after red card
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Rio Ferdinand impressed by Shea Lacey
Lacey was an instant threat when he came on against Brighton.
It was clear that United players were trying to get the ball out to the right flank, ensuring that Lacey got on the ball to send teasing crosses into the box.
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The 18-year-old was a breath of fresh air because he took on players, and United didn’t have enough players willing to do that on the pitch.
Reflecting on Lacey’s performance, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has waxed lyrical about the youngster.
Ferdinand told Rio Ferdinand Presents: “Do you know the thing about him? What jumps out to me? One he’s confident one he’s got belief in his ability and he’s got bundles of ability because we’ve been watching him for a couple of years now in the youth academy and whatnot.
“But he’s the only one when you see him out there who looks like he hasn’t got them deep scars of regimes before of past managers passing judgment on him or not showing an interest in them or not or not rating them.
“He’s just come in he’s just he hasn’t got all of that baggage all of that in his mind. His mind is set is just free of all of that.
“Just coming in, going I just need to go and play well. And that’s a breath of fresh air.
“And you can see that in the way that he’s he plays. There isn’t any like looking over his shoulder or his head between his shoulders a little bit.
“No hiding in there and thinking, “Oh, no, but I don’t want to make a mistake.” He’s out there thinking, you can see it in him. Give me the ball. I just want to do something. I don’t care what it is. Just give me the get me the ball. I’m going to do something.
“And when he gets it, he does look a threat. But like you say, I hope he doesn’t just get pushed back into the 21s.”
Darren Fletcher just picked up his first booking for Manchester United since 2015
Good on him for showing a bit of fight!
Darren Fletcher is shown a yellow card by referee Simon Hooper after the FA Cup third-round match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Old Trafford in 2026 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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It’s important to note that the defeat to Brighton was only Lacey’s third appearance for United’s first team. Hopefully, this is the start of an exciting career for the youngster.
How many red cards have Man Utd received this season?
United have seen two red cards this term.
Casemiro was given a straight red for dangerous play against Chelsea at the beginning of the season.
United beat Chelsea 2-1 thanks to goals from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro.
Darren Fletcher argued against Lacey’s dismissal and received a yellow card following the full-time whistle on Sunday.
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