SHEA LACEY has earned his first call-up to the Manchester United first-team squad for tonight’s Premier League clash against Everton.
The 18-year-old academy star has been linked with breaking into Ruben Amorim’s team since the start of the season.
Liverpool-born Lacey has regularly trained with the seniors and is already a fan favourite, having been tipped for a big future since his early teens.
Lacey’s inclusion in the matchday squad follows a minor knock sustained by Matheus Cunha in Saturday’s training session.
The injury was severe enough to force the Brazilian to withdraw from his commitment to turn on the Altrincham Christmas lights.
The teenager starts on the bench for United, with Cunha excluded from the squad completely.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Amorim would turn to United’s talented academy for support amid injuries and the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
Amorim wants to integrate Lacey before Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo head to AFCON on December 21 – with Monday’s clash thought to be an ideal opportunity.
Lacey is largely played as a right winger, but his stronger left foot makes him a difficult opponent.
He narrowly missed his first squad selection for the October win over Sunderland, which saw goalkeeper Senne Lammens make his debut.
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The forward opened his account for England U20s this month and has trained with England U21s and Thomas Tuchel’s first team since the start of the season.
Lacey has featured plenty for United’s Under-18s since the 2022/2023 season, though this campaign has seen him take the step up to join the Under-21s.
He has contributed five goal contributions in five starts for Travis Binnion’s side in Premier League 2.
United’s first team stars have been impressed by Lacey following his recent involvement in training, with Harry Maguire taking him under his wing.
The teenager hails from a family of proud, match-going Liverpool fans who have played in Liverpool’s youth systems themselves.
