Everything is falling into place for Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey to earn a starting spot against Wolves.
Shea Lacey made his debut in the 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, coming on as a late substitute for Leny Yoro.
During his debut performance, Lacey showed glimpses of promise, and the 18-year-old will be hungry for more minutes.
Predicted Man Utd XI vs Wolves for the FINAL Old Trafford showdown of 2025… 🔮👀
Should Leny Yoro return to the starting XI for Man Utd? 🤔 Should Jack Fletcher start ahead of Manuel Ugarte? 💥 Will Benjamin Sesko break his goalscoring drought? ⚽️❌ Let us know YOUR feelings!
Behind the scenes, Lacey has impressed Ruben Amorim, and the current injury crisis and absences in United’s squad sets up the Carrington graduate for his first start.
Why Shea Lacey should start vs Wolves
In the build-up to the Wolves match, Amorim confirmed that Mason Mount is a doubt after he came off at half-time against Newcastle.
With Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo at AFCON, United’s attacking options are completely depleted.
Bruno Fernandes is ruled out with his hamstring injury, meaning Matheus Cunha and Joshua Zirkzee are the only No.10s left available.
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…
Wolves are currently sitting on two points having failed to win a single game this season. United can expect to dominate possession at Old Trafford, which could suit Lacey and his style of play.
Lacey has been compared to Phil Foden because of his dribbling and technical ability, which could prove useful against a Wolves side who are expected to sit deep.
Shea Lacey can suit Ruben Amorim’s new formation
Speaking ahead of the Wolves match, Amorim spoke about his formation change, with United lining up in a back four in recent weeks.
Lacey is a natural right winger and would therefore suit the 4-3-3 formation recently used by Amorim.
Amorim said: “When we are playing well in our system, I think that is the moment to change if it’s the better thing to win the next game.”
READ MORE: Man Utd already have an Antoine Semenyo alternative and he can be much better
The Portuguese head coach has learned to adapt to the players available to him, and Lacey is a good fit for what United need against Wolves.
Lacey on the right would allow Matheus Cunha to start on his favoured left flank, with Benjamin Sesko leading the attack.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
