Shea Lacey finally made his Manchester United debut against Aston Villa on Sunday in a late cameo.
Almost one month after Shea Lacey was first named on the Manchester United bench, he finally got his maiden minutes.
Ruben Amorim turned to the wonderkid in the 84th minute, looking for some attacking quality as United chased an equaliser against the lucky Aston Villa side, who had benefitted from two world-class moments by Morgan Rogers.
HAS Ruben Amorim proved concerns over his academy usage wrong after debuting Jack Fletcher and Shea Lacey?🤔
These were his fourth and fifth academy debutants in 13 months…
Due to his debut, Lacey was one of United’s winners, becoming academy graduate 256, a mere 11 minutes after Jack Fletcher had become the 255th.
While the 18-year-old didn’t have much time to make his mark against one of the toughest opponents in the league, he still managed to catch the eye with one specific moment of quality.
Shea Lacey showed tremendous quality and attitude against Aston Villa
While Lacey could have been forgiven for having a quiet debut while he got himself up to speed, he took just five minutes to showcase why he will be a star for United.
In the 89th minute, goalscorer Matheus Cunha drove through the midfield with the ball before laying it off to Lacey.
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Instinctively, Lacey took a great first touch to round the Villa defender before curling a shot toward Emi Martinez, which the Yashin Trophy winner stopped.
It would have been an amazing start if he had scored, but the way he played his normal game despite the increased opposition levels, with confidence and quality to do so, just proves that he will be a success.
The best and most successful academy graduates don’t show any fear and Lacey did exactly this.
Lacey’s game will translate to the first team really well, and we fully expect him to get more minutes next time out against Newcastle after this encouraging cameo.
With United set to be missing Bruno Fernandes, it would be beneficial to have a player who can create magic from nothing like Lacey.
Ruben Amorim and Diogo Dalot respond to Lacey and Fletcher debuts
Amorim has been heavily criticised this season for his reluctance to use the academy; however, after this Villa clash, the head coach has now granted five academy debuts in his 13 months in charge, two less than Erik ten Hag had in two years and four months.
Speaking to MUTV after the game, Amorim explained that he is trying to give the youngsters minutes at the right time, but admits he now needs them.
“They worked very hard for this [their debuts]. Congratulations to the academy coaches.
“We’re trying to improve the team and protect the lads so they get the chance to play at the right time. We need them right now, and this will help them grow”.
Also speaking to MUTV, Dalot discussed his joy to have seen the pair make their debut.
“This is an opportunity for these players to show that they deserve more minutes. I’m glad they’ve been able to make their debut”.
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