Shea Lacey had a pre-breakout campaign for Manchester United last season, making several impressive cameo appearances. But the 19-year-old will have higher ambitions for next season.
It is interesting to think just how different Shea Lacey’s 2025/26 season would have been had that long-range strike against Burnley nestled into the corner instead of hitting the woodwork.
Gary Neville was shocked by Lacey’s ability, explosiveness, and positivity on the ball, which he showed for Manchester United in limited opportunities.
Lacey should be in line for a huge 2026/27, with plenty of opportunities coming his way thanks to the increase in fixture list by at least eight games, but hopefully much more.
United are backing Lacey to get even better next season, but during pre-season, he might get the chance to cast his hat in the ring for another role, not just right-wing.
What are your expectations for Shea Lacey next season?
If he can stay fit surely he gets plenty of minutes…🤔
Shea Lacey could be an option at number 10 for Michael Carrick
Lacey was brilliant for the United U21 side on the right wing last season, and also played there when given the chance under Ruben Amorim, Darren Fletcher, and Michael Carrick for the first-team.
But this summer, during pre-season, Lacey’s window for maximum game time could actually be in a different position. Namely, in the number 10 position.
On the right, United have Bryan Mbeumo and Amad, with the former set to begin pre-season and likely take the bulk of minutes during the 2026 tour. But in the attacking midfield position, United are short for pre-season.
Bruno Fernandes will obviously start when he is back from his extended summer break due to reaching the World Cup round of 16 with Portugal, but until then, there will be a chance for Lacey or Jack Fletcher to nail down their names as the rotational option for Fernandes.
Playing in attacking midfield isn’t really a natural role for Lacey, but he has featured there at an academy level, and his qualities suit themselves very well to the position.
Lacey has impressive ball security and a low centre of gravity, meaning he can receive the ball in tight areas without too much issue. But when on the ball, he can beat players, create chances for others, or score himself, making him a very dangerous player.
These qualities also make him a brilliant winger, but Lacey isn’t the fastest player in the world, which can potentially limit him as a winger on the highest level against quick and strong full-backs.
He does his best work in the half-space, able to unleash shots with his left foot and supply smart crosses from an unconventional crossing position.
Who is YOUR ‘one to watch’ pick for Man Utd next season?👀
Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro both say Patrick Dorgu, but who is yours?
Lacey should start against Wrexham
Last season, Lacey didn’t play anywhere near enough first-team football to make sense for his development, and it can’t be repeated when he would be better served on a well-placed loan than sitting on the United bench for 90% of the season.
Either Carrick plays Lacey in the cups, off the bench, and the odd start in the league and Champions League, or he needs to be loaned.
For this reason, Lacey should be starting against Wrexham as a signal of the intent to give him the chances required for him to develop in the next season or two to eventually reach his world-class potential.
Lacey could start in the number 10, with Mbeumo right and Patrick Dorgu left – while behind him will probably be Andrey Santos and Mason Mount.
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