It's time for another youngster to shine at Old Trafford
Premier League breakthrough stars | Shea Lacey
The first in a series of articles where we analyse young players who might be making a huge impact in the Premier League this season
Author | George B
At Manchester United, much of the conversation around the academy has centred on JJ Gabriel, a player so precociously gifted that he can seem almost unnatural. But he is still only 15, meaning his involvement this season is likely to be limited to the occasional EFL Cup appearance.
A few years further along the pathway, but still only 19, is Shea Lacey, who has put his early injury problems behind him and featured prominently during pre-season.
Lacey is an exciting wide player, exactly the sort United supporters tend to take to, and he is already well known to Michael Carrick. The United head coach has watched him develop not only in his professional capacity, but also from a more personal perspective after following his son Jacey through the academy over the years.
I watched Lacey against Burnley in United's first game under Darren Fletcher, another coach who knows him well, when Fletcher took temporary charge last season.
A lifelong United supporter, Lacey came within a whisker of scoring at Turf Moor and I expect him to become a regular presence around the first-team squad this season.
He put in some positive performances during the pre season and further emphasised that he might be ready for a run in the first-team.
There is a fearlessness about him
These were the words of United fan Liam C who said: "Neither the shirt nor the expectations that come with wearing it appear likely to weigh him down."
United supporters are going to see a lot more of Lacey this season, with Carrick keen to give him every opportunity to establish himself."
