MANCHESTER UNITED may look to Shea Lacey to provide cover during the African Cup of Nations.
Manager Ruben Amorim has already said United “are going to struggle” when Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui head off to AFCON in December.
Lacey shines best as a right attacking midfielder and is training with Amorim’s first team on a regular basis, making his debut during the post-season tour of Asia.
The 18-year-old made headlines again this week after scoring an excellent opener in a 2-0 win at Notts County in the EFL Trophy.
The Liverpool-born teen seems fully over the injury problems that have blighted his development over the last two years, with first team football on the horizon.
United won’t rush him into Premier League minutes, but Lacey might play a role in the squad during AFCON, which runs between December 21 to January 18.
First-team minutes for the academy are limited this season, as United are only competing in the FA Cup, which begins with the third-round draw in January.
Last month, Lacey was one of a number of young players invited to train with Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of England’s friendly victory over Wales.
SLEEP OUT
The Manchester United Foundation will host its fourth stadium Sleep Out on Friday, encouraging fans to help support vulnerable young people this winter.
The poignant event gives supporters the opportunity to swap their bed for a sleeping bag for the night, and sleep under the Mancunian night sky.
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Over the past three years, more than £100,000 has been raised, making a huge difference to young people in need.
At least one member of the United press group is taking part.
AI SCANDAL
Although Amad encountered more social media mither, you would be forgiven for not noticing it at Carrington.
The 23-year-old took umbrage with an AI-generated post that suggested he had a pregnant wife.
Amad quote-tweeted the post, long since deleted, and wrote: “Spreading false information will not help you promote your page. A Bit [of] respect for my privacy.”
Carrington sources say Amad has been as happy as ever at United’s training base this week and have noticed that his social media persona is the polar opposite from his everyday behaviour.
The posting comes after Man City ace Phil Foden was cruelly targeted by false posts claiming his son had died and his daughter had cancer.
TAXI CRIME
Good news for match going fans – the council have FINALLY cracked down on taxis charging an arm and a leg to ferry supporters back to Manchester.
A taxi driver illegally picking up fans on Sir Alex Ferguson Way after a match was identified by Trafford council licensing enforcement officers after they heard a woman shout: “£25?! Are you joking?”
The driver was asked multiple times to show his private hire driver’s badge before being told he was breaking the law by picking up on the street.
Only Trafford council-registered Hackney Carriages are allowed to pick up without a pre-booked job in the borough.
The driver was found guilty of illegally plying for hire, failing to wear a driver’s identification badge and obstructing an authorised officer.
He was fined a total of £1,453 with a victim surcharge of £581 and costs of £1,500, a total of £3,543.
A Trafford council spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring the public are protected, and that the trading environment is fair, protecting consumers and drivers that are licensed to operate in the borough.”
LOAN WATCH
United will surely welcome back Harry Amass from his Sheffield Wednesday loan with open arms.
Amass is quickly proving why he is considered one of the brightest prospects to emerge from the club’s academy in recent years.
The 18-year-old played a pivotal role in helping Wednesday earn a hard-fought point against Norwich City in the Championship on Wednesday night.
He played two key passes, including creating a big chance that should have been converted into a goal.
The full-back was also defensively solid, making four recoveries and winning eight duels.
Amass has started all ten games since completing a late-summer move to the crisis Championship club, who were deducted 12 POINTS after entering administration.
PADEL LOVE-IN
Manuel Ugarte may not be getting too much time on the pitch – but he is practising his padel skills off the pitch.
The Uruguayan midfielder is the latest United star to become a fan of the tennis-inspired game which is spreading across the UK.
He is a regular on the courts at Adlington golf course in Cheshire. But his performances left some players questioning whether he should stick to footy.
One opponent said: “I think he should focus on football. He’s enthusiastic but not the best.”
HOME STAYS
Amorim was home alone for the week prior to the Nottingham Forest game after his wife and kids jetted back to Portugal for a half-term holiday.
He spent his time at a rainy and windy Carrington while his family enjoyed a spot of winter sun.
Amorim has previously taken a dim view of players including Marcus Rashford jetting off on holiday during the international break.
A source said: “Ruben feels he is starting to turn things around and is working very hard to make sure everyone is focused and moving in the right direction.”
