BREAKING: Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey signs first professional contract
Shea Lacey is one the most exciting talents in Man Utd’s academy and he’s signed his first professional contract with the club.
Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has signed his first professional contract.
Last month, the Manchester Evening News confirmed Lacey would sign his professional deal once he celebrated his 17th birthday and he’s now officially put pen to paper.
Only the most highly-regarded prospects in the academy are given professional terms when they turn 17 – the age when you can sign a pro deal – and Lacey has long been considered one of the leading lights in his age group, which explains why he’s been tied down at the first opportunity.
There are high hopes at United for Lacey and he recently took part in first-team training at Carrington following his return from an injury that saw him sidelined for six months
It’s understood that injury was the first of Lacey’s blossoming career and his return to fitness should allow him to contribute to the Under-18s at a crucial stage of the season.
After a brilliant campaign, the U18s are set to win their league and have the opportunity to win a trophy when they take on Manchester City on April 23 at Leigh Sports Village.
Lacey is expected to play a prominent role as the U18s look to seal the league title in the coming weeks and he’s set to represent the Under-21s regularly in 2024/25.
In the last few years, footage of Lacey playing for United’s academy has gone viral on social media and such clips have amassed thousands of views.
Lacey was born in Merseyside and comes from a family of Liverpool fans, but he’s a United supporter and grew up idolising multi-Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
He has predominately played on the right wing, but coaches in the academy like to challenge youngsters in different positions across the attack and Lacey is versatile.
There have been comparisons made between Lacey and Phil Foden and, just like the City star, his long-term future could lie in playing an attacking midfield role.
Lacey is the latest academy talent to sign his first professional deal at United, following confirmation that Harry Amass and Jack and Tyler Fletcher had been given contracts.
The youngster has represented England at Under-15 and Under-16 level.
Don’t see it’ – Jamie Carragher hands Man United major warning on potential Casemiro replacement
Manchester United are tipped to recruit in midfield during the summer transfer window with Casemiro earmarked for the exit door at Old Trafford
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has warned Manchester United and other interested clubs to avoid signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana in the summer transfer window.
United were first linked with a move for Onana at the beginning of the campaign as they looked to add options to their midfield. The Manchester Evening News understands United are continuing to monitor Onana, along with Everton teammate Jarrad Branthwaite.
Erik ten Hag could be heading back into the race to sign a defensive midfielder this coming summer after Casemiro’s form dipped dramatically this season. Beyond Casemiro, the Reds have been light in the defensive midfield area of the pitch this season and could reinforce their midfield options when the summer transfer window opens, with the Brazilian having been tentatively linked with a potential move to Saudi Arabia.
In January, as Everton’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) woes deepened, Arsenal and Newcastle United were heavily linked with Onana’s signature but again the move did not come through. Still, the Belgian did little to impress at Stamford Bridge on Monday night as he was hauled off at half-time during Everton’s 6-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Reflecting after the final whistle on his performance, Carragher slammed the midfielder. He told Sky Sports: “He [Sean Dyche] picked out a couple of players he brought off at half time. He mentioned the central midfield players.
“I actually think James Garner has done a good job for Sean Dyche since he’s been there. But I must say this, Onana is a player who Everton may have to sell with the situation that they find themselves in financially.
“He came in with a huge reputation. Frank Lampard brought him in, he looks the part, did really well I think for Belgium at Wembley and there was talk of him going to other big clubs.
“I don’t see it. I haven’t since he’s been there.
“I don’t know what he is. Is he a holding midfield player? Does he get forward? Does he get involved? The only thing I have seen him do is try to lift the crowd, that is all I ever see him do when he plays for Everton.”
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