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Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Throughout this year’s edition of the Premier League, Manchester United’s struggles within attacking areas of the pitch have once again reared their head.
Michael Carrick’s men have only netted 10 times in their opening nine matches of the campaign, with such a record the seventh-worst of any side in the division.
Such a record has contributed to the current 17th place standing in England’s top-flight, with the club’s £220m frontline undoubtedly failing to deliver the goods.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds fans after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds fans after the match
As a result, the under-pressure 45-year-old should be looking to hand one other first-team member a chance to showcase his talents from a starting position.
Why Shea Lacey deserves a run of starts for United
Carrick has been very stuck in his ways during his first couple of months as United’s permanent boss, which has often seen him utilise the same attacking partnership.
Shea Lacey has often been unlucky to miss out on various outings, with the academy graduate only making a single start and making five substitute appearances to date.
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His only start came in the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, where the 19-year-old scored a superb strike to open his account in the senior ranks.
The teenager was handed just 15 minutes of action during the recent win over AS Roma, but despite the restricted minutes, he still managed to have a huge bearing on the result.
Lacey provided an inch-perfect pass for Matheus Cunha to latch onto, which allowed the Brazilian to fire home and complete the second-half turnaround at Old Trafford.
Away from his late assist, the attacker also managed to produce some impressive figures - which included a 100% pass completion rate, whilst also completing three successful dribbles.
His constant work-rate saw him come out on top of 80% of his ground duels, with his bite and aggression helping the Red Devils get over the line against the Italian outfit.
Why £37m United star looks finished because of Lacey
Lacey’s superb cameo off the substitutes' bench has showcased the struggles of many of the senior players within the first-team squad throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
Bryan Mbeumo has certainly fallen below the high expectations he’s set for himself at Old Trafford, with the Cameroonian only netting once in his last six outings.
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Carrick has decided to utilise the 27-year-old in a centre-forward role in the absence of Benjamin Sesko, which has no doubt had an effect on his struggles in attacking areas.
However, a similar amount of leeway can’t be handed to winger Amad Diallo, who’s since assumed the time of starting off the right of the attack - a role which is his preferred position.
The Ivorian, who arrived for £37m in January 2021, had huge expectations to deliver the goods at Old Trafford and become a constant presence in the senior ranks.
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The latter of the two has come to fruition, as seen by his tally of 95 appearances for the Red Devils since returning from his loan spell at Sunderland in the summer of 2023.
However, he’s only netted 15 times during his aforementioned outings, which has seen him register a goal every 6.3 games he’s featured in over the last three years.
He’s now on a run of just two goals in his last 40 appearances at Old Trafford, with none of his strikes coming in his seven appearances during the 2026/27 campaign.
Amad - season stats at Man Utd
Season
2020/21
2021/22
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
2025/26
2026/27
Total
Amad was replaced by Lacey during Tuesday’s meeting with Roma, and understandably so, with his stats showcasing why he’s now finished in Manchester.
The winger completed fewer dribbles than the academy gem despite featuring for 60 minutes more, whilst also failing to create a single chance for his teammates.
His struggles within attacking areas were further evident by his tally of just one shot - which was off target - whilst only making one pass into the final third of the pitch.
The Ivorian’s wasteful nature in forward areas was also highlighted by his inability to complete a single cross - resulting in his withdrawal from the encounter to allow Lacey to stake his claim.
There’s no denying the youngster took full advantage of the opportunity handed his way, with Amad now needing to be behind the Englishman in Carrick’s pecking order.
It’s safe to say he’s been handed too many opportunities to deliver the goods in forward areas, which should see the hierarchy cash in on the attacker at the next window.
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