Shea Lacey looked on from the outside as Man Utd beat Ipswich 5-2, but he’s determined for that to be the first and last time ...
Shea Lacey looked on from the outside as Man Utd beat Ipswich 5-2, but he’s determined for that to be the first and last time it happens.
The attacking stars came to the party for Man Utd in their 5-2 win against Ipswich, but it had a domino effect on Shea Lacey.
He didn’t come off the bench after impressing against Hull City, and was back with the U21s the day after.
Lacey started on the right in the U21s’ dominant victory against Leicester, and sent an unstoppable message to Michael Carrick.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
There is a concerted effort to keep Lacey match-fit this season as he won’t always be called into action for the senior team.
It’s why he played for the U21s a day after being on the bench at Old Trafford against Ipswich.
Starting on the right, Lacey made it clear from minute one that he is levels above academy football at this point.
He twisted and turned freely, popped up in dangerous positions, and hit two brilliant first-half goals in his trademark fashion.
Cutting inside onto his stronger left foot, Lacey was a nightmare to defend against, as Leicester kept giving him space at their own peril.
Lacey made them pay, looking like a first-team player gaining match fitness at this level, instead of a youngster wanting to make a breakthrough.
He has comfortably surpassed the latter threshold, and looks at home with the senior team, leaving Carrick with a clear decision to make.
Amad’s injury has opened up the field somewhat for Lacey, but Carrick needs to ensure that he keeps Lacey involved this season.
He won’t be sent out on loan, so this can’t be a season where he finishes with five or ten first-team appearances off the bench.
Cameos off the bench need to become a regularity, while starts in cup competitions are a must.
Academy games aren’t doing much for him anymore, as evidenced by the ease with which he dominated against Leicester, and expectedly so.
This is, after all, a player that has Bruno Fernandes and more buzzing about his quality, so it’s no surprise to see him boss academy games.
Carrick needs to keep Lacey involved. His performance against Leicester U21s was a clear message that the snub against Ipswich must not be repeated.
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