Highly-rated Manchester United academy star Shea Lacey is in line to make his first team debut before the end of the season, according to reports, after overcoming a growth spurt injury.
The 17-year-old winger signed a five-year professional deal earlier this season at Old Trafford and previously snubbed an offer from Liverpool. And since returning to full strength following his spell on the sidelines, Lacey has been regularly involved in first-team training.
There is now a growing belief at the club, as first reported by The Sun, that under pressure head coach Erik ten Hag could hand Lacey a first-team appearance before the campaign concludes.
Lacey’s favoured position is on the right wing and he has been impressive for the club’s Under-18 side, making three appearances in the UEFA Youth League.
He has represented England up to under-17 level, scoring three goals from five appearances, but is also eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has hit back at the media reaction to Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final collapse against Coventry City. United scraped through on penalties at Wembley having led 3-0 only to allow their Championship opponents back into the game.
That has led to many concluding his time at the club will come to an end this summer as the INEOS group now in charge of football operations seek to make changes.
And a fuming Ten Hag, speaking at his press conference to preview Wednesday night’s Premier League game against Sheffield United, said: " Football is about results. We made it to the final and deserved it.
"We lost control for 20 minutes and were very lucky in the end but we made it to the final. That is a huge achievement. The reaction from you [the media] was embarrassing. Twice [two FA Cup finals] in two years, it is magnificent. For me as manager, four cup finals in four years. The comments are a disgrace.”
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