On Saturday, while Manchester United’s first team was being beaten comfortably by Brentford, the U21s were impressively winning their own game.
It was a busy day for Manchester United, with the U18s, U21s, and the first team all in action; however, only one of the three managed to claim victory.
The U21s beat Crystal Palace 4-1, winning the fifth game in a row in the league, continuing a 100 per cent record which sees Travis Binnion’s side top of the Premier League 2.
The win comes days after United U21s beat Athletic Club at Old Trafford, a game in which Gabriele Biancheri stole the show.
Saturday also saw the Welshman shine, scoring and assisting against Palace. However, his impact was upstaged by one teammate who showed why a first-team debut could be right around the corner.
The performance was a huge statement to Ruben Amorim.
Shea Lacey scores twice for Manchester United U21s against Crystal Palace
United’s U21 side is the best it has been in years, and a large part of the form has coincided with the return of Shea Lacey, who continued his excellent season on Saturday.
Lacey has been unstoppable for the U21s, even scoring a brilliant goal against professional players in the PFA XI, which showed his readiness for senior football.
However, against Palace on Saturday, Lacey was at his glowing best, scoring not once but twice in a glowing display against the Eagles.
Lacey first scored a free-kick and then scored a brilliant solo goal, which saw him dribble down the right wing, into the box, before shooting across goal with his right foot and scoring.
Lacey looks like he is simply too good for the level he is currently playing at, and if he is able to keep himself fit, then a first-team debut is likely on the horizon.
After returning from his injury issues earlier this season, Lacey has made a lasting impression on Amorim, appearing to be one youngster that the Portuguese head coach may be willing to put some faith in.
Shea Lacey could be the attacking spark Ruben Amorim needs to survive at Manchester United
It has been exclusively reported by United in Focus that United see Lacey as ready for first-team football, with it yet to be determined if that is at Old Trafford or on loan.
However, with Amorim’s side struggling for goals and lacking creative options in the first team squad, Lacey could be a bright spark to breathe some life into the Red Devils’ side.
The Liverpudlian wonderkid is simply undeniable, and if brought into the first team as an understudy to Bryan Mbeumo, United could be so much more dangerous when chasing games.
Having a tricky, dribbling, scoring, and assisting talent on the bench would be different from the current Mason Mount and Joshua Zirkzee choice Amorim currently has, neither of which can make magic happen like Lacey can.
Lacey could save Amorim’s United career, and against Sunderland might be the perfect opportunity to make it happen.
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