Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images
Shea Lacey has been the silver lining for a difficult week as far as Manchester United and Michael Carrick are concerned.
Manchester United’s start to the season went from bad to worse on Wednesday night after crashing out of the Carabao Cup third round following a 3-2 defeat to Brighton. It came after a disappointing defeat in the Manchester derby.
On top of bad results, United have issues to deal with off the pitch. Talented youngster JJ Gabriel wants his contract torn up, as that would allow him to move to another European club after his 16th birthday in October.
While Gabriel and his dad kick up a storm off the pitch, another United academy star is making the most of his opportunities, having had to wait patiently. The player in question is one of Wednesday night’s goalscorers, Shea Lacey.
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Shea Lacey is impressing Michael Carrick
It’s a shame how it worked out for Gabriel this week. The 15-year-old was set to be named in United’s matchday squad to face Brighton before requesting to leave the club a day earlier, as well as refusing to turn up for training all week.
These are not good signs, and United, as a club, can only do so much with such a sensitive topic. Carrick was cautious when asked about Gabriel’s future because he is having to talk about a child. If only Gabriel’s dad were approaching the situation with the same level of care.
Meanwhile, another player from United’s academy took the headlines as well as his opportunity in the first start. Lacey made his first start under Carrick and was the team’s best performer, scoring the opening goal and causing Brighton problems on the right wing.
Speaking to Sky Sports about Lacey following his display against Brighton, Carrick spoke highly of the youngster, noting that he has the ingredients and keenness to get even better.
Carrick stresses that Lacey has had to be patient for his opportunities in the first team, so Gabriel isn’t the only prospect at the club who has been told to wait.
“Shea played the other night, first start, scored,” Carrick said.
“You know, a fantastic, fantastic lad. He does all the right things. He wants to do well, wants to learn. He’s waited for his chance.
“He’s been ready. He’s given himself all the chances to take his opportunity when it’s come along, and they’re the moments that, as an academy, you kind of live for, and the reason why all the work goes into it: to find those moments.
“Football changes, evolves. Academies change; they evolve. Young players, senior players, it’s constantly changing, it’s constantly adapting, and it’s just part of the game.”
This message – giving the timing of the interview – could also be a subtle message to Gabriel. The academy will change a bit if he leaves because he’s been one of the most exciting prospects for a while. That means another player has the chance to take the spotlight and maybe his pathway into the first team.
It remains to be seen if Lacey will get more minutes against Fulham, but he certainly deserves it after his midway display compared to other players.