Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is always keeping an eye on Manchester United from a distance. One player who has caught his attention this season is academy starlet Shea Lacey.
After being called up to the senior squad four times as an unused substitute, Shea Lacey made his Manchester United debut under Ruben Amorim in December – just weeks before the head coach was sacked.
The 18-year-old also played in both matches during Darren Fletcher’s short reign as caretaker boss, impressing against Burnley before being harshly sent off in United’s FA Cup defeat by Brighton.
Lacey has made the bench on one occasion since Michael Carrick was appointed interim head coach, but he’s also had calf issues and been focusing on playing in Adam Lawrence’s under-21 side.
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Ole Gunnar Solskjaer impressed by Shea Lacey
Unless you follow United’s youth teams regularly and have been doing so for years, many fans have only seen glimpses of Lacey in action.
The promising forward, who likes to cut in from wide areas, can shoot from distance and has plenty of technical ability.
Respected journalist Andy Mitten has revealed details from a conversation he had with former United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Mitten asked Solskjaer to name one player he thinks could make United’s first team from the academy, before the Norwegian alluded to Lacey.
Speaking on Talk of the Devils, Mitten said: “But Lacey, I think Laurie picked out Lacey at Burnley.
“I was actually talking to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer that night. I was at AFCON. I didn’t go to Burnley and Ole was in the running to be Manchester United’s caretaker manager that week if you remember, and he was raving about Shay Lacey, and he’s a qualified football coach who knows his stuff and he came on didn’t he?
“He had that shot near the end. Yeah. So he would if you’re asking for one name (to get a first-team chance) it would be him.”
Lacey will be looking to add to his three senior appearances for United before the end of the season, with three games left to play.
- ⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer thinks Shea Lacey could make it in Manchester United’s first-team
- Lacey has made three senior appearances for United
- The youngster has yet to appear under Michael Carrick
How many Man Utd players have been sent off this season?
Four United players have received red cards this season across all competitions.
Lacey was the only player to get sent off in the FA Cup, while the other red cards were dished out in the Premier League.
Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire and Casemiro have all been sent off this season.
Hopefully, United will suffer no more suspensions with third place to play for.
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