Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that he coached young sensation Shea Lacey.
The Portuguese playmaker completed his UEFA B licence at United alongside experienced figures Juan Mata and Harry Maguire.
He said in an interview with The Times: “I was actually coaching Shea Lacey.
“He was 14. I’ve told him he’s changed, he’s become a grown man and he’s listening more now than he was listening at that time! But you could see already he had something different than the other ones.”
Fernandes believes he may enjoy coaching once he hangs up his boots but is also aware of the consuming nature of dugout life.
Shea Lacey has immense potential
Lacey is a generational talent who has already blown away United supporters.
The 18-year-old made his debut for the first team under former manager Ruben Amorim earlier this campaign.
Having already featured three times for the first team, Lacey could now be in line for his first appearance under Michael Carrick.
United are preparing to host Leeds United in the Premier League tomorrow, with just seven crucial games remaining in the campaign.
Lacey is a special talent. He already has eight goals and three assists to his name in 11 Premier League 2 games.
His development under technically gifted players like Fernandes and Mata highlights the belief the club have always shown in him.
Earning praise from a perfectionist like Fernandes is no easy feat, especially for a teenager.
That endorsement alone speaks volumes about Lacey’s potential to become a future star at Old Trafford.
Stats from Fotmob.com