Manchester United U21s drew with Brighton at Carringtonplaceholder image
Manchester United U21s drew with Brighton at Carrington | MUTV
Man Utd U21s played against Brighton at the club's Carrington training complex on Monday afternoon.
United's first team were given Monday off following their superb win over Arsenal at the weekend, but Carrick and his coaches reported for duty as they began preparation for the weekend clash with Fulham. The new United head coach was spotted watching on as the U21 side was held to a draw in their Premier League 2 fixture.
Lacey opened the scoring for United with a stunning left-footed free-kick ten minutes before half-time, but Kofi Shaw rescued a point for the away side with a late equaliser. Tyrell Malacia played the entirety of the match, while Diego Leon was an unused substitute. Jack Fletcher and James Scanlon both played the entire match, while Chido Obi replaced Gabriele Biancheri in the second-half.
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Lacey sends Carrick a message
Shea Lacey has not featured in either matchday squad since Michael Carrick took charge of Manchester United, but sent a reminder of his talents with a stunning free-kick goal against Brighton. The 18-year-old was suspended for the Manchester derby win over Man City after he picked up a red card in the FA Cup exit to Brighton earlier in the month, and was not selected for the 3-2 win over Arsenal at the weekend.
Lacey's return to action comes at a time when United are only without two players at senior level, and he might find it difficult to get opportunities when Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko are already on the bench. There will be further chances once fellow forward Joshua Zirkzee is available after injury.
The teenage forward will just have to work hard until he gets his chance after he made such a positive impact under interim head coach Darren Fletcher. Speaking after his bright cameo against Burnley earlier this month, Fletcher said: “I said to him, 'stay wide and go and do what you can do'. He is exciting, he is direct, he is fearless. He has had a lot of injuries in recent years. He will be a big part of Manchester United's future, I am sure of that.”
Manchester United U21s vs Brighton: Murdock; Aljofree, Munro, Kamason, Malacia; Devaney, Fletcher, Fitzgerald; Lacey, Scanlon, Biancheri. Subs: Byrne-Hughes, Jackson, Leon, Sharpe, Obi.
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