Shea Lacey: Bruno Fernandes explains why Man United teammate is truly special

Shea Lacey: Bruno Fernandes explains why Man United teammate is truly special

Shea Lacey could be the next big thing out of the Manchester United academy to take the Manchester United senior team by storm.

The 18-year-old stood out and was the talk of the academy; before JJ Gabriel, it was Lacey.

Injuries tried to disrupt his progression. Did they succeed? Not a chance. Lacey fought back, rebuilt himself, and has earned a senior team spot.

Shea Lacey Injury History at Manchester United (as per Transfermarkt)

He now trains and operates as a first-teamer, and even junior teams must request permission to call him up.

On the pitch, he likes to cut inside from the right onto his left as a winger, but he can also play centrally as an attacking midfielder.

He has played little this season due to a calf injury that threatened his progress just as he was starting to get his opportunities.

However, when he has featured, he has impressed, showing he can punch well above his weight. Rio Ferdinand has described him as a “breath of fresh air,” someone who plays without “scars and baggage.”

Naturally, expectations surrounding Lacey are high, with many United fans excited about what he can offer.

Fernandes on Lacey’s development

Bruno Fernandes, in an interview with The Times, explained why the youngster is special: “I coached Shea Lacey when he was 14. (Five years ago, when he completed his B licence at United alongside Juan Mata and Harry Maguire)

“I’ve told him he’s changed, he’s become a grown man, and he’s listening more now than he was listening at that time! But you could see already he had something different from the other ones.”

Lacey is key in the league run-in

One can only hope Lacey lives up to the hype. He could yet challenge Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo for the right wing, or Fernandes could mentor him into becoming his heir.

Now fit and having recently impressed as the United U21s unfortunately fell to Real Madrid in the Premier League International Cup quarter-final, the teen sensation could play a meaningful role across the final seven league games. Building on his three senior appearances, he could help the 20-time English champions finish as strongly as possible.

Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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