Another Man Utd wonderkid trained with England four years ago, he’s now playing in League One

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Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has already gained incredible experience on international duty this month.

Shea Lacey is recognised as one of the brightest prospects at Manchester United, but it came as a pleasant surprise when he was invited to train with the England senior squad for the first time.

Lacey only got his first call-up to the England under-20s after an impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign under Travis Binnion.

It is a marvellous opportunity for Lacey to learn from other senior professionals, such as Harry Kane.

However, four years ago, it was another United academy star asked to train with England’s senior team for the first time.

Tenden Mengi made the jump like Shea Lacey

Many United academy graduates have gone on to become key players for England down the years.

From Sir Bobby Charlton to David Beckham, it’s no secret that United have produced some of the greatest players who have represented the Three Lions.

Unfortunately, some players called up to train with England from the youth teams don’t go on to make it on the senior international stage.

One example of that is Tenden Mengi, who currently plays for Luton Town in League One after back-to-back relegations.

However, Mengi trained with England’s senior team for the first time four years ago.

Lacey will hope for a brighter future than that and one that sees him become a United first-team player under Ruben Amorim.

Hopefully, the promising youngster can benefit from training with some of the senior professionals in Thomas Tuchel’s squad, and he can impress the German coach.

Man Utd coach urges patience with Shea Lacey

Back in September, United’s under-21 boss Binnion warned that patience was needed with Lacey.

The young midfielder has been blighted by injuries but that has not stopped him having a remarkable start to the new season.

“Everybody in the world knows about Shea Lacey,” Binnion told BBC Sport.

“He needs to be patient with himself and everyone else needs to be patient with him because there is still loads to come tactically, physically and mentally.

“We are still managing him physically. If he can stay on the pitch and stay training, everyone thinks he could be a top player.”