Manchester United U21s took on Manchester City on Friday night, battling for a place in the Premier League 2 final, with Michael Carrick now unable to ignore two talents.
It was an absolute thriller at the Joie Stadium, with Manchester United beating Manchester City 4-3 in a classic between the cross-city rivals.
The goals were flowing, with seven scored between the two sides, and two goals through Chido Obi, as he headed home two excellent opportunities.
However, with Michael Carrick in the stands, two others staked their claims to play first-team football and might have even convinced the head coach to take them to Sunderland on Saturday for the clash with Sunderland.
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Manchester United duo Jim Thwaites and Shea Lacey are undeniable
Carrick’s attendance at the Joie Stadium felt important, considering he has a Premier League game tomorrow, yet he still took the time to watch this fantastic U21 side.
Carrick could turn to the academy in the next few weeks, and if he does, Jim Thwaites and Shea Lacey are two of the leading candidates to step up.
Both were sensational against City for different reasons.
Thwaites won the midfield battle for United, winning duels, covering ground well, and launching attacks with his passing range.
The 18-year-old has taken to U21 football with ease, and could be similarly easy to integrate into the first team given his skill set.
No longer just a flashy technical midfielder – although still excellent on the ball – Thwaites has shown he can handle the dirty work and midfield battles. Carrick should be blown away.
Meanwhile, the star of Lacey continues to rise, and against City, he made a complete mockery of their defence.
Sitting defenders down, beating them with ease, and all the while playing in second gear, it was a showcase of why Lacey is first-team ready and far too good for academy football.
City are lucky it was only a goal and an assist that Lacey managed, taking his season tally to 11 goals and five assists.
Both still have key roles to play for the academy this season, with two finals to play. But it is vital they both feature for the first team as well.
What are your expectations for Shea Lacey next season?
If he can stay fit surely he gets plenty of minutes…🤔
Lacey and Thwaites fit perfectly into Michael Carrick’s plans
Sometimes, quality academy players come through at the wrong time or find themselves unable to break through due to formation or the squad.
Thwaites fits in nicely to this summer’s planned midfield rebuild as a third-choice option in the midfield role, which Kobbie Mainoo currently occupies.
The 18-year-old would play plenty with United set to compete across four competitions next season, and he might even play himself into more minutes.
Meanwhile, the right-wing position could be owned by Lacey in 12 months’ time.
With Amad and Bryan Mbeumo struggling, if Lacey gets a chance this season to start on the right, and then pre-season, he could play himself into an undroppable status.
Lacey could seize the opportunity of his positional rivals struggling and make himself the starter.
Both are ready to be part of Carrick’s team immediately, and this latest performance is the biggest sign yet.
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