Shea Lacey: Why Man Utd’s ‘first-team level’ star hasn’t had a chance under Carrick

Robin Bairner

3 Apr 2026 12:01 BST
3 min read

Amid the excitement at Manchester United’s revival under Michael Carrick, there has been a tinge of disappointment that the club’s academy stars have not been more involved.

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Among those largely overlooked so far is highly rated winger Shea Lacey, who has scored eight goals in nine appearances in Premier League 2 with Man Utd U21.

Lacey has had flirtations with first-team action this season, but after starring off the bench in the Premier League against Burnley, he has not been seen since the FA Cup loss at the hands of Brighton.

STATS

Shea Lacey

M (R)

Manchester United U23

Shea Lacey

M (R)

Manchester United U23

2

Games
0

Goals
0

Assists

Man Utd have certainly not forgotten about the teenager’s talents, U21 coach Adam Lawrence going public on why fans have not seen as much of the youngster as they might have hoped.

Why has Shea Lacey not played more for Man Utd?

Lawrence explained that patience will be required with Lacey, who he described as “a unique case”.

The coach explained to BBC Sport: “He's always had an elite technical level. He can do things with the ball which are, without getting too carried away, genuinely first-team level.

“But he's been a later developer physically, so players like that need more time and patience.

“Day-to-day Shea will train with the first team and basically follow their programme, and then be topped up with under-21 games when he needs to be playing.”

On top of this, injury problems have played their part, but Lawrence remains confident that Lacey will become a fully fledged Man Utd first-teamer sooner rather than later.

“Shea has had one or two little niggles that have disrupted his rhythm a little bit but he's definitely someone the club is really excited about,” the Man Utd U21 boss said.

“We do believe he is a player that can fully transition into the first team eventually.

“Michael has been supportive. He understands the marquee games for the academy and the ones that he and the club feel are good to be involved in.”

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