Shea Lacey has been out of the first-team since his unfair red card in January, but against Aston Villa his return could be exactly what Michael Carrick needs.
It’s been two months since Shea Lacey saw red against Brighton in the FA Cup for what was a very minor offence, something done up and down the nation every week.
Since then, Lacey has been tearing the U21s apart scoring for fun and proving that he should be back in the Manchester United first-team fold.
However, personal issues and an injury setback have delayed this second run in the senior side. But he’s back and should play against Villa.
Shea Lacey dribbles for Manchester United
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Shea Lacey is the spark Manchester United need to beat Villa
In the past week, Lacey has returned to United training and if fit, needs to be on the bench for Villa’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Lacey proved he is ready for Premier League football with his performances earlier this season, and from the bench his electric energy and dribbling has the potential to be game changing for Carrick.
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This is because Carrick’s current attacking quartet have ran out of steam in recent weeks. Matheus Cunha’s spark from the bench has left him, Bryan Mbeumo has struggled and Amad hasn’t been at his best.
Lacey has shown his brightness from the bench a handful of times already this season, and once fit, needs to be reinstated to the bench to be trusted to make a difference from there.
The no fear attitude that Lacey demonstrated in his previous cameos could light up United’s attack which has grown timid in recent outings.
Villa will be no easy task, and having an option like Lacey on the bench to turn to gives Carrick the best chance of besting Unai Emery. Lacey proved that against Villa in December and could do so again here.
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How Lacey left Gary Neville speechless in return game against Villa
Lacey made his debut against Villa away from home back in December, coming close to a goal of the season contender as his effort from range flew wide.
Just a few weeks later, Lacey hit the crossbar against Burnley, prompting Gary Neville to ask the perfect question.
“Where’s he been?”, Neville asked rhetorically while speaking on commentary.
“You wouldn’t like to give him another if you were Burnley”, Neville then added about Lacey’s lethal shooting from his left foot.
Even the always negative Paul Scholes has spoken highly of Lacey.
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