Manchester United are in the midst of an injury crisis at first-team level right now, and now this has spread into the academy.
Ruben Amorim’s attacking options were slashed in half over the space of a few weeks a month ago, for a variety of reasons.
Amad Diallo’s season was struck off through injury, a blow of the largest proportions for Manchester United, made worse by how the January transfer window ended up.
In January, United sent both Antony and Marcus Rashford out on loan – which left slim options as it was before Amad’s injury made things far worse.
This left just Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee as options in those number 10 positions, with Bruno Fernandes seemingly established as a central midfielder now.
Due to this, there was an opening for academy talents to progress into the senior side to follow in Chido Obi’s footsteps.
Shea Lacey suffers another injury setback
With space in the squad for a talented number 10 or winger to step into the first team, many thought Shea Lacey would make that step.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Lacey returned from injury against West Ham just over three weeks ago and in every appearance he looked so dangerous, sharp and arguably far too good for youth football.
His comeback continued to impress, with Lacey shining against Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup. However, his momentum has now been snapped.
It comes according to X account MUFC Academy that Lacey has picked up another injury, after spending the majority of the campaign injured up until last month when he returned.
The extent of Lacey’s injury is currently unknown, however, it is a setback which the 17-year-old did not need after the struggles he has already had to overcome during the past 18 months.
The issue is thought to be with Lacey’s leg, although it could very well be a small setback for the talented winger in which the club are merely avoiding any risk.
Why is Shea Lacey facing consecutive injuries at Manchester United?
When a player is sidelined with back-to-back injuries, there can be a variety of reasons for what must be the most frustrating thing in sport.
For Lacey, the positive from his situation is his age and the fact he appears to still be growing which is proven to lead to injuries.
So there is a chance that Lacey’s issues are due to this and when he reaches his final height they will cease, although at 17, soon to be 18, the impact of this will be coming to an end.
Lacey will know more than anyone how important these next 18 months are for his career and so everybody will be firmly behind him to return soon and finally get his career back on track.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
