Shea Lacey has given Michael Carrick another selection decision after continuing his impressive Manchester United pre-season against Atletico Madrid.
The 19-year-old won the penalty for Bryan Mbeumo’s equaliser and again looked comfortable alongside established first-team players in United’s 2-1 victory in Stockholm.
Lacey started as the attacking midfielder against Diego Simeone’s side after previously scoring during the 5-0 win over Rosenborg. His latest opportunity represented a significant step up, but he responded with another assured performance.
The Manchester Evening News highlighted Lacey’s quick feet and balance after he drew the foul which allowed Mbeumo to equalise from the penalty spot. His progress is becoming increasingly difficult for Carrick to ignore.
Shea Lacey increases competition for Amad
Amad also impressed during his first 45 minutes of pre-season after returning from the World Cup. He was denied by Jan Oblak from a deflected free-kick and pressed aggressively before making way at half-time.
However, Lacey’s emergence creates genuine competition for the Ivory Coast international. Both players are left-footed and are comfortable attacking from the right, while Lacey has also shown during pre-season that he can operate centrally.
Bryan Mbeumo adds another consideration. Carrick used him through the middle against Atletico because Benjamin Sesko remains unavailable, and both of his goals came while operating as United’s striker.
If Mbeumo continues receiving minutes centrally, Amad and Lacey could find themselves competing directly for opportunities on the right.
ReadManUtd had already argued that United should keep Lacey rather than sanction a loan move. His performance against Atletico has strengthened that argument.
Carrick now has reason to keep Lacey involved
Lacey will not suddenly become an automatic starter. Bruno Fernandes will return to the attacking midfield position, while Amad has far more senior experience and produced some encouraging moments in Stockholm.
However, United are back in the Champions League and Carrick will have far less time between matches than he did last season. The heavier schedule should create opportunities for players outside his strongest XI.
Lacey has already shown he can contribute. He scored and earned an 8/10 in ReadManUtd’s coverage of the Rosenborg victory before winning the penalty against Atletico.
United also included him in the 23-man squad for the Stockholm trip, another indication that he is firmly involved in Carrick’s first-team preparations.
The Manchester Evening News reports that United do not intend to loan Lacey this summer. Keeping him around Carrington now looks increasingly sensible.
His performances do not require Carrick to drop Amad. They do, however, give the United manager another credible attacking option and make competition for places considerably stronger before the season begins.
