Shea Lacey has the chance to end the season on a high note this weekend, with Manchester United taking on Brighton, with academy opportunities expected.
The 2025/26 season comes to a close on Sunday, with Manchester United facing Brighton, and we are expecting some degree of academy integration.
Michael Carrick is planning to use the youth, with a handful of the top prospects under consideration, to play at the Amex.
United fans want to see Shea Lacey in action, and the 19-year-old winger is probably in pole position to get this chance, potentially even a start.
Now, Lacey has been pictured at Carrington doing something that should delight the club.
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Shea Lacey is keeping the right company at Manchester United
It is impossible to judge whether young players from the academy will be successful or not, but often the company they keep in the first team can say a lot.
Kobbie Mainoo was instantly taken under the wing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, suggesting they were very high on his ability and would have moulded him into the model professional he is.
Now, Shea Lacey is following this trend.
At Carrington this week, Lacey has been pictured with Diogo Dalot and also Lisandro Martinez, two team leaders who are known to drive standards.
Dalot, in particular, is arguably the most professional member of the squad. This is because Dalot’s fitness and work ethic comes from Cristiano Ronaldo, and he has been passing it on to younger teammates.
Benjamin Sesko benefitted and now Lacey also appears to be.
Lacey keeping the company of senior players who are known to be good heads, experienced, and hard workers is a good thing, as it will drive him.
Dalot could have a huge impact on Lacey, teaching him what it takes to make it.
Bruno Fernandes has also had his arm around Lacey this season, which again will only benefit the youngster and be excellent news for Michael Carrick, as he won’t have to worry about the youngster ending up like Alejandro Garnacho.
On Dalot’s Instagram story, he called Lacey “my kid”, which shows the relationship that they have.
If you could only start ONE Man Utd academy player vs Brighton – WHO would you pick?
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Lacey and Diogo Dalot could be playing together vs Brighton
Lacey and Dalot’s close relationship could soon be vital on the right flank for United, and that might even happen on Sunday against Brighton.
After being sent off against them in the FA Cup back in January, Lacey will be desperate to start vs Brighton, and if any academy player is going to start, it should be the winger from Liverpool.
With Amad’s struggles this season and Bryan Mbeumo probably starting up front, Lacey on the right makes a lot of sense with Dalot behind him.
Lacey’s start wouldn’t be a usual end-of-season throwaway start, but instead would give him the chance to prove he can play a substantial role next season, ahead of a potential 60-game season where depth will be key.
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