Two academy talents are hoping to get minutes under Michael Carrick as Manchester United face Tottenham, with one 18-year-old knocking hardest on the boss' door for a full Premier League debut
Jack Moorhouse
Jack Moorhouse could be handed an opportunity by Michael Carrick(Image: Manchester United via Getty Imag)
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Manchester United youngsters Shea Lacey and Jack Moorhouse are keen to seize their chances under Michael Carrick in the Premier League. Lacey made his senior debut against Aston Villa in December under previous boss Ruben Amorim but has yet to appear for Carrick.
The 18-year-old has been named on the United bench for eight matches this season, having impressed in brief appearances against Villa, Burnley and Brighton in the FA Cup. Despite receiving a yellow card against Brighton, he was warmly applauded by supporters as he left the pitch.
Lacey, who is highly rated at the club, is pushing hardest for regular first-team action under Carrick, according to the Manchester Evening News. However, with the squad now largely fit, securing a place in the side is no straightforward matter.
Lacey may continue to find himself among the substitutes in the weeks ahead. But Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko are already vying for just three attacking spots.
In the middle of the park, though, an injury could present an earlier opportunity for Moorhouse, who trained with the senior squad this week before the Spurs fixture after returning from his loan spell at Leyton Orient on deadline day.
Shea Lacey
Shea Lacey in action for Man United(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Since taking over from caretaker Darren Fletcher, Carrick has demonstrated a clear dedication to nurturing young talent and building closer ties with the club's academy.
He has brought back young talents like Habeeb Ogunneye from loan spells and reintegrated Joe Hugill into first-team training sessions.
Carrick has also made himself a familiar face at youth fixtures, an area where Amorim faced criticism for his absence, signalling clearly to academy prospects that a route to the senior side genuinely exists.
"This club needs young players coming through and being the foundation, to understand what it means," Carrick previously said.
"It's something we need to grasp and keep building on."
United, who have remained relatively inactive during the January transfer window, are targeting European qualification.
The Reds have maintained their unbeaten run under Carrick, securing victories in all three Premier League fixtures against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.
They currently occupy fourth position, with a home clash against Tottenham awaiting on Saturday (12:30pm).