(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United have taken an emphatic two-goal lead inside the opening 10 minutes against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Michael Carrick has Shea Lacey and Mason Mount to thank for his side getting off to a tremendous start in their Carabao Cup opener.
19 – Shea Lacey is the first teenager to score on their first start for Manchester United since 18-year-old Marcus Rashford against FC Midtjylland in February 2016. Carrington. pic.twitter.com/APiZBnV51d — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 16, 2026
Shea Lacey opens United account with outstanding goal
(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Lacey will be the most ecstatic lad in Old Trafford right now after he has netted his maiden goal for his boyhood club in his first-ever start – and it was some finish, too.
SHEA LACEY ON HIS FIRST START!!! 🔴🌟 What a hit from the 19-year-old to open the scoring for Man Utd! pic.twitter.com/Ex2ceXaUge — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 16, 2026
Laurie Whitwell lauded the youngster on Twitter/X, saying: “Pure class from Shea Lacey. Tight touch, quick shift + disguised shot. Great power + precision. Big moment for him.”
Now, the onus is on United to see out the win to ensure Lacey can thoroughly enjoy his milestone come full-time.
The 19-year-old is widely regarded as one of United’s most exhilarating prospects.
After news broke of JJ Gabriel trying to force his way out of the club yesterday, Lacey appeared to react to the news by sharing a picture of himself wearing United gear on social media, which was captioned with a heart emoji.
❤️ pic.twitter.com/eBXNtdHXCp — Shea lacey (@Shealacey10) September 15, 2026
After scoring and being serenaded by his teammates, the attacker proceeded to tap the badge several times before also kissing it, showing just where his loyalties lie.
Who else has been called upon tonight?
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Shea Lacey of Manchester United celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Lacey is one of a handful of changes in tonight’s XI, with veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow, formerly of Leeds United, also making his first start.
Andrey Santos has made the line-up for the first time since the opening day of the Premier League season, while Carrick has opted for a youthful centre-back partnership of Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro.
Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans has been given the honour of captaining United in just his sixth appearance, with Bruno Fernandes granted a rare rest.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, applauds the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
JJ Gabriel looking dejected
Andrey Santos in action for Man Utd