Ruben Amorim finds answer to huge Man Utd problem as one-on-one chats come to light

View 2 Images

Shea Lacey stands out as one of Manchester United 's brightest academy prospects at present, with Ruben Amorim taking a personal interest in guiding the teenager's journey towards senior football. The 18-year-old is yet to earn his first-team bow but has caught the eye in the Vertu Trophy alongside the Under 21s this term.

The 2007-born winger found the net during United's 2-0 triumph over Notts County on Tuesday evening. Chido Obi threaded a ball to Lacey down the right flank, and he controlled before slotting home with aplomb.

It marked a clinical strike from the youngster for his third strike of the season. And after an injury-hit 2024/25 campaign, Lacey is now progressing towards first-team involvement, with Amorim monitoring his advancement closely.

The Daily Mail reports that Lacey and Amorim have engaged in several private discussions around United's training facilities in recent weeks.

Lacey has enjoyed increased involvement with the senior squad, leading to enhanced focus on charting his path to a debut.

United U21s manager Travis Binnion said: "It's important the games programme doesn't get in the way of his opportunities with the first team.

"He's had a good few days with the first team (last week). We speak every day with the first team and get a week ahead in terms of what games he's going to play and what's right for him.

"I saw Jason at Barnsley and you have conversations with him, (academy head) Stephen Torpey, Ruben and (assistant) Carlos (Fernandes) around who, where, when, what. We are trying to get ahead of it by planning around the games, and you can't do that without the dialogue that we have."

View 2 Images

Lacey's preferred position is operating as a right attacking midfielder, precisely where Bryan Mbeumo has been deployed this campaign. However, with the ex-Brentford star departing for the African Cup of Nations with Cameroon in December, United are targeting that period to hand Lacey his senior bow.

Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui represent the other United players travelling to AFCON, which kicks off on Sunday, December 21. The trio could potentially miss as many as six Premier League fixtures in total.

Given United's limited alternatives to cover for Mbeumo and Amad down the right flank, Lacey might be presented with the ideal opportunity to make his mark at senior level.

Furthermore, should Lacey be given his chance in the first team, he could assist in preserving an 88-year United tradition. The Red Devils have featured an academy graduate in every matchday squad since October 1937.

However, during their 2-2 stalemate with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Kobbie Mainoo , who has been touted for a January departure from United, remained the sole academy product in the squad.

If Mainoo departs United, this impressive streak could be in jeopardy. Yet, if Lacey or another academy starlet is handed a chance by Amorim, the remarkable run could still carry on.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.