Michael Carrick looking on from the touchline
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick is reportedly planning to keep Shea Lacey and Tyler Fletcher among his ranks for the 2026/27 campaign.
The 44-year-old is still expecting reinforcements from the transfer market to follow Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Karl Darlow, with the club tipped to pursue a third midfielder, a centre-forward, and a left-back.
Moreover, Marcus Rashford could linger in Carrington beyond the summer, thus boosting Carrick’s attacking options.
And yet, the manager could add extra depth to his squad by promoting some of the club’s most promising youngsters.
Man United will promote Shea Lacey & Tyler Fletcher
Luckily for Carrick, Man Utd’s youth ranks are brimming with talented young players who are itching for an opportunity with the seniors.
The legendary midfielder has been testing several teenagers in his early pre-season friendlies, and Saturday could be JJ Gabriel’s turn.
But whether or not the 15-year-old takes the field against Atletico Madrid, he’s unlikely to be a permanent member of the first team, even though he could make some matchday appearances throughout the season.
On the contrary, BBC journalist Simon Stone identifies Lacey and Tyler Fletcher as the two most likely candidates for a permanent promotion.
The two youngsters already seemed to be ahead of the queue last season when they earned their senior debuts, and neither player has done anything to harm his chances since.
Why Lacey & Tyler Fletcher can be useful for Man Utd
While four academy products earned their MUFC debuts in 2025/26, Lacey was arguably the one who made the most out of his chances.
The 19-year-old made his bow under Ruben Amorim, but he was used again by caretaker Darren Fletcher and the incumbent Carrick.
The Liverpool native is originally a tricky winger who enjoys cutting from the right side to set up a shot with a deadly left foot. Therefore, he can be a third choice on the right flank behind Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
Moreover, Lacey has been producing convincing displays as an attacking midfielder in pre-season, so he can also cover for Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount in this role.
During Amorim’s reign, Jack Fletcher was ahead of his twin brother in the pecking order, hence why Tyler had to wait for Carrick’s arrival to make his senior debut.
Tyler is seen as the more physical and composed of the two siblings, and has since established himself as a regular feature in Carrick’s squad, while Jack has often featured with Man Utd U21 in 2026.
Thanks to his emergence onto the scene late in the campaign, Tyler Fletcher also earned his senior Scotland debut and was a late addition to the World Cup squad following Billy Gilmour’s injury.
United are still expected to buy another midfielder this summer, but if the new arrivals take time to settle at Carrington, Tyler might get the opportunity to climb his way up the pecking order and earn himself a prominent role in the manager’s plans.