FIFA are looking at introducing a new Premier League rule which could benefit Manchester United academy stars Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel.
Manchester United have a rich tradition of trusting in youth players and promoting players from the academy.
Soon, it could be enforced by FIFA to have young players on the pitch, and while other top-flight clubs may struggle to reach that quota, it is great news for a handful of United youngsters.
The new ruling being explored by FIFA would require Premier League clubs to always field at least one homegrown player. That is fantastic news for up-and-coming stars like Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel.
What are your expectations for Shea Lacey next season?
If he can stay fit surely he gets plenty of minutes…🤔
Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel can benefit from FIFA rule
The resurgence of Kobbie Mainoo under Michael Carrick means that United have had an academy product on the field for the majority of recent games, but that wasn’t the case in the first half of the season.
Moving forward, United have a handful of exciting academy players chasing a first-team spot, including Gabriel, Lacey and Chido Obi.
There is huge excitement around Gabriel’s talent, and there is a feeling that the 15-year-old could even make his first-team breakthrough next season.
Lacey made his first-team debut this season and has remained a regular part of the senior squad.
If FIFA do push through an Under-21, homegrown player rule, it means that the likes of Lacey and Gabriel can expect even more minutes.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
Ineos strategy is perfect for new FIFA ruling
Since the Ineos takeover, United’s transfer strategy has been more focused on signing young and exciting players.
It includes several exciting academy additions, including the likes of Sekou Kone and Chido Obi.
READ MORE: Man Utd plotting bid to sign Brazil’s hottest prospect Eduardo Conceicao, £34m battle with Barcelona
Under the new FIFA ruling, Kone and Obi will count as homegrown players, meaning they will satisfy the quota.
If FIFA are looking to introduce homegrown rules, that will only encourage Ineos to continue with their current wonderkid strategy.
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