As Manchester United played Rosenborg on Friday, Bruno Fernandes was watching and he will be thrilled with what he saw.
Bruno Fernandes was posting on his Instagram story, reacting to Manchester United’s 5-0 win over Rosenborg on Friday night ahead of his return next week.
Fernandes posted a clip of Joshua Zirkzee’s goal, voicing his approval. But he also posted praise for Shea Lacey, applauding the 19-year-old’s goal.
Lacey had another impressive performance, with the goal the starring moment of his outing. But the most intriguing aspect of Lacey’s performance was that it came in a new role, one which Fernandes will be thrilled to see him in.
What is your INSTANT REACTION as Manchester United beat Rosenborg 5-0
Who impressed you most and why?
Shea Lacey shines in the 10 for Manchester United
There was a slight surprise when Manchester United’s line-up against Rosenborg included Shea Lacey from the start, replacing Jack Fletcher as the number 10, taking Bruno Fernandes’ place within the team.
Lacey put in a real shift, worked hard, picked up some excellent positions and was involved in some brilliant football that United played during the game. But his goal was the highlight.
Lacey was fed a ball by Joshua Zirkzee, as he carried it into the box, checking back and shifting onto his left foot, creating a moment of separation and curling it into the bottom corner with ease.
It was a professional goal, but one which United fans who watch the academy will have seen him do countless times.
This however came from a more central area than usual as he came from the attacking midfield, running beyond Zirkzee, causing chaos for Rosenborg who never stood a chance at stopping him.
Zirkzee’s performance showed Carrick that Lacey is not only an option on the right-wing, but also in the 10 this coming season, which will also thrill Fernandes.
JJ Gabriel sent this message after missing out on minutes vs Rosenborg – Do you think he will get a chance in upcoming games?
Was it the right call from Carrick or should he have got five minutes at the end?
Bruno Fernandes finally has a protege at number 10
Since joining United in January 2020, Fernandes has effectively been a one man show in attacking midfield, with Donny van de Beek, Mason Mount, Hannibal and others all failing to offer a viable option to rotate with him.
But Lacey could finally be that player who could allow an aging Fernandes to step up of games here and there without the fear of the squad imploding without him.
Fernandes hasn’t had this luxury before at United but Lacey could afford it to him. It is also thanks to Carrick for giving Lacey these opportunities in the 10, and pushing the talented attacker into the first-team on a permanent basis.
Lacey has been learning from Fernandes for around a year within training with the first-team, but now we finally see him deployed as a 10 and it could be perfect for the Merseyside-born United star to evolve into a top-class attacking midfielder.
Fernandes and Lacey have a strong relationship, dating back to when Lacey was 14 and Fernandes was helping to coach him at United. This makes it the perfect student and mentor storyline for the two, with Lacey being the back-up to Fernandes over the next season or two before being challenged to step up and succeed the Portuguese magnifico.
2026/27 will be huge for Lacey.
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