Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Shea Lacey scored the first goal of his Manchester United career against Brighton, but he was so much more impressive than just scoring.
There wasn’t much to like from Manchester United’s Carabao Cup knockout at the hands of Brighton, but the solitary shining light was Shea Lacey, who made his full debut and scored.
Lacey kissed the United badge after his sublime solo goal, almost a message to other academy prospects who aren’t willing to wait their turn. But at 19, Lacey is already becoming part of the first-team furniture, looking like a key member with the respect of his teammates.
This includes developing a Bruno Fernandes-like trait.
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Shea Lacey already has the respect of Manchester United senior players
Lacey has only played seven times for Manchester United, starting one, and has one goal. But his talent, attitude, and work ethic have clearly already positioned him high in the minds of everyone at the club.
This impression of Lacey being so brilliant means he is already earning the right to lead, as he was spotted doing with Benjamin Sesko just before the second-half kicked off.
ITV captured this moment where Lacey looks exactly like Bruno Fernandes as he tries to explain to Sesko where he was going wrong and what he wants from him in the second half.
It demonstrates that Lacey has the respect of his teammates, has the confidence to voice his opinions, and has also listened and observed Fernandes doing similar, and therefore thinks this is the right way to act.
It also reflects well on Sesko, being willing to listen to an academy talent who is early in his career instead of thinking himself above him. These two will play a lot of football together for Manchester United in the coming years, so it is excellent to see a relationship already being built.
If Lacey is already leading on the pitch at 19, it is exciting to think of the character he will be by the time he is 23 or 24. Like Lacey, Kobbie Mainoo is also already a leader for United, which is a sign of Carrington doing its job and building excellent footballers and people, despite the bad examples.
Michael Carrick praised Lacey’s maturity
Prior to the game, Michael Carrick was asked about the teenager starting and how he has grown over the course of the year.
“Little bit more mature, little bit more experience, growing up a little bit more, as you hope and expect from the younger players. He is doing all the right things to give himself the best chance, so I am looking forward to seeing him play tonight.”
Lacey is the perfect example of what United is all about. His performance against Brighton showed how exciting and also effective he can be, while having the work rate and intelligence to potentially even threaten Bryan Mbeumo for the starting role on the right.
Perhaps he has put himself on the teamsheet against Fulham.