MANCHESTER UNITED plan to keep Shea Lacey in their first team squad for the first half of the season.
Lacey, 19, scored the opening goal in on Friday to underline his first-team credentials.
Lacey scored in Trondheim for United Credit: Getty
Lacey (right) has played four times for the first team Credit: AFP
The winger made his debut last December and Lacey has made three more appearances, with his only one under Michael Carrick coming on the final day of last season at Brighton.
Sources say wants to keep Lacey in his squad until the January , at the earliest.
and Lacey’s advisers are prepared to reassess his situation in the new year to decide whether he remains at the club or heads out on loan for the first time.
Lacey is under contract at United until 2029 and has enjoyed an encouraging 12 months after numerous injury problems at academy level.
The Scouser’s inclusion at the expense of Jack Fletcher was the sole change to the United side against Rosenborg in Norway and Lacey scored the only goal of the first half.
The teenager had impressive impacts off the bench in his first two games for United in the winter at Aston Villa and Burnley, where he hit the woodwork within seconds of coming on.
Lacey was sent off in the 2-1 FA Cup third round defeat to Brighton in January and he had to wait four more months for more minutes.
His 62nd-minute introduction at the Amex Stadium marked Lacey’s longest outing for the United first team.
United already have Bryan Mbeumo and Amad ahead of Lacey on the right-hand side but Carrick has often used Mbeumo up front.
Lacey is also an out-and-out winger and United’s two main choices on the left under Carrick – Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu – are a playmaker and full back by trade.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
I'm dedicated to creating high-quality content that informs, inspires, and delights. If you have any questions or suggestions, don't hesitate to get in touch. Happy reading!
