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Manchester United wonderkid Shea Lacey is reportedly set to put pen to paper on his first professional contract at Old Trafford.
Lacey, who has been dubbed the “new Phil Foden” is one of the latest prodigies United fans are growing excited about following the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho.
Like Manchester City’s Foden, Lacey is technically gifted and excels at close dribbling and sharp movements both on and off the ball.
He can play in a multitude of attacking positions but he’s predominantly deployed on the right wing, from where he can cut in with his deadly left foot.
Lacey has come through the youth ranks at Carrington and is now a regular presence in the U18s. The teenager has also represented England at U15, U16, and U17 levels.
In the U18 Premier League this season, Lacey has managed two goals and three assists in six appearances or 436 minutes of action.
Last year, Manchester Evening News reported that Lacey signed a scholarship deal with United with an agreement in principle to sign professional terms when he turns 17.
Today – Sunday, April 14th – is his 17th birthday and according to Academy Scoop, everything is set for Lacey to finally ink a first professional contract and commit his long-term future to the Red Devils.
It’s believed that there was a multitude of top Premier League clubs eyeing a move for him but he rejected them all as he believes his future lies with the 20-time English champions.
Correction – Lacey will officially sign his contract tomorrow. Original expectation was that it would be signed today.
— SCOOP. (@AcademyScoop) April 14, 2024
Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs spoke to GIVEMESPORT and revealed the plans United have for the promising Lacey.
Jacobs told the publication, “Even though Shea Lacey is only 16, he has already played effectively for Manchester United’s under-18 side. He has also played for the England under-15, under-16 and under-17 sides in several games.”
“He has the advantage that he can play out wide, in a central advanced position or in midfield. There is a little bit of versatility there and he is very physical as well.”
“I think that Manchester United feel that he has got a big future ahead of him. He has predominantly been a right-winger for the under-18 side at the moment, but the fact that he could move into attacking midfield, is left-footed and has been a bit of a set-piece specialist at the level he has been playing are very encouraging signs.”
Jacobs added, “It is normal that Erik ten Hag wants to cast a close eye on Lacey because he looks like he is a very exciting prospect.”
Lacey recently trained with the United senior squad before their match against Bournemouth as he edges towards his maiden senior appearance.
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