Manchester United have reached an agreement over a new contract for Shea Lacey in what could be a huge boost for the Red Devils.
The talented winger, 16, has committed his future to the Old Trafford side and he could be a key player for Erik ten Hag’s side in years to come.
With Antony, who United bought for £86 million, struggling so far this season on the right-hand side, a spot could well open up for the winger to be involved in a few games if not this season then certainly next season.
The extension of the contract for the winger highlights the huge importance placed on the youth academy by ten Hag.
Lacey’s English interest
According to a report from Rich Fay, of the Manchester Evening News, United’s promising winger has received interest from a number of England’s top sides.
United’s rivals were reportedly ready to swoop in for the winger if he didn’t sign the professional contract but the winger has committed his future to the club.
Erik ten Hag has reportedly held one-to-one meetings with Lacey and has set out what the 16-year-old could expect if he carries on developing in the same trajectory that he is at the moment.
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Ten Hag’s increased responsibility
According to the same report from the Manchester Evening News, the Dutch manager has taken on more responsibility when it comes to the academy as he believed the under-21s were ‘isolated’ prior to his arrival.
The United manager now takes an active role in deciding which youngsters train with the first team, and there is more cooperation between the different departments, just as he had at Ajax.
Ten Hag has also made it clear that only the very best youngsters have a chance at making it at Old Trafford, hence why certain academy players have been let go this summer and it’s also why Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are now considered crucial members of the first team squad.