The success at the academy level doesn’t always translate to senior football, but if you’re bossing without breaking a sweat, you need the next step.
Man Utd have a player in exactly that mould who’s unstoppable and making a mockery of academy football, needing a new challenge.
Adam Lawrence’s Man Utd U21s are in the quarter finals of Premier League 2 after a 3-2 win against Sunderland in the playoffs.
Chido Obi, Shea Lacey, and Jack Fletcher were the scorers in a deserved victory, but only one player showed clear signs that he’s simply too good for this level.
How good can Shea Lacey become? Who does he remind you of?
Darren Fletcher has made a big prediction about Shea Lacey!
Shea Lacey is unstoppable at the academy level
Lacey has had to take a step back from senior football after picking up an injury, but his potential has been clear to see for a while now.
He announced himself to senior football in style, and before his cruel sending off in the FA Cup game against Brighton, looked well on his way to becoming a breakout star.
Unfortunately, United’s elimination from the cup, combined with his own injury worries, saw him go back to the U21s to gain match fitness, as United simply didn’t play enough games to justify his minutes.
Ever since that happened, Lacey has played like a man on a mission, determined to let United know never to send him back to the U21s again.
Sunderland U21s were on the sorry end of a Lacey masterclass this time, as he weaved his way through their defence every time he was on the ball and kept the goalkeeper honest.
His two-footedness made him a nightmare to defend against, as his trademark curlers from the wide half-space looked laser-guided.
He even played some beautiful long passes, and it was clear that Bruno Fernandes has been working with him in training after seeing those switches of play.
Then there was his trademark physicality and willingness to jump into duels, making it a dream attacking performance for a player who’s simply unstoppable at this level now.
Michael Carrick needs to find space for Lacey
Carrick can’t really be faulted for not giving Lacey minutes in the close race for UCL qualification spots, but if United win against Brentford, Lacey’s minutes should be among his first priorities.
What are your expectations for Shea Lacey next season?
If he can stay fit surely he gets plenty of minutes…🤔
His form has also coincided with both Bryan Mbeumo and Amad’s dip in form, so some minutes off the bench for the youngster could shake things up.
If he impresses, then the spot is his to lose, which will only drive his senior teammates to do better.
If he doesn’t, then he will work harder and come back next season with a point to prove, and it’s clear beyond doubt that a driven Lacey is a beast.
Either way, what simply can’t happen is Lacey not getting any Premier League minutes between now and the end of the season.
He isn’t just knocking on the door, he has bulldozed through it and is now shouting in Carrick’s ear with a megaphone.
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