Nine things you need to know about…Manchester United's Shea Lacey

With the rise of young star Kobbie Mainoo into the United first team, many Red Devils fans believe it won’t be too long before Lacey, who was born in 2007, takes the field for Erik ten Hag’s team. 

Here, Planet Sport’s Samy Aouati looks at nine things you need to know about Shea Lacey.

 

 Playing style 

A technical wizard, Shea Lacey predominately plays on the right wing cutting onto his favoured left foot. He has a playing style based on close dribbling, sharp movements and a complete passing range.

  

Youth debut at 15 

Impressive performances have seen Shea Lacey move up into the Under-18s at the tender age of 15. He currently has five goal assists in five appearances for United’s Under-18s. 

 

Footballing family 

Shea’s older brother Paddy Lacey is an ex-professional footballer with some story. His early career would see him part of Manchester United’s set-up featuring players like Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba. 

He later made the switch to join boyhood club Liverpool. Paddy would then go on to play for Championship and Football League sides.

His career hit a stop after being arrested and banned from football for 14 months. Paddy now plays for Welsh club Flint Town United. 

 

Rejecting Liverpool 

If Manchester United fans didn’t like Shea Lacey, they might certainly start now!

He was born in Liverpool but rejected them, opting to stay part of Manchester United’s youth set-up.  

 

England or Ireland? 

Many English fans right now will be very happy to hear that Shea Lacey is currently featuring for England’s youth team set-up.

However, we all know international youth football doesn’t mean anything, and Gareth Southgate could potentially ensure that he picks England over Ireland.

 

‘Natural Baller’ 

Many fans started getting excited over Shea Lacey after seeing clips of him in action during an indoor futsal tournament.

United fans were left in shock over clips of incredible solo goals from the Rewe Junior Cup. 

He demonstrated a raw natural ability that left many stunned. His close control, elegance and finishing prowess left many fans speechless. 

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Academy goal of the year? 

Shea Lacey has been nominated for Academy goal of the year after his strike away to Wolves Under-18s.

Collecting the ball from the right wing after remarkable control, he ran inside after playing a great combination, opening the Wolves defence.

He then unleashed an unbelieve strike that flew into the top left-hand corner.

 

Social media star 

Shea Lacey’s rise through the youth rankings has caught the eye of many Manchester United fans around the world. Lacey has a total of 56,000 followers on social media. All United fans are eager to see how his career unfolds.

 

Youth courage success 

Shea Lacey demonstrates an illustration of not just a fantastic footballer but also a fantastic person. 

He was gifted shin pads from a young Manchester United fan and returned the favour by gifting a pair of boots he wore in his last game - a fantastic demonstration of a player humble and grateful for his opportunity.

 

Summary 

Manchester United fans have a great deal to be excited about, with Shea Lacey.

The young emerging star seems to be fully focused on his development and continues to impress regularly. 

Being hampered by injury in 2024 means we have a wait before we can see the young magician on the pitch again - but Shea Lacey will be a name we see for many years to come.