Man Utd wonderkid pictured in England first-team training, gets chance to impress Thomas Tuchel

Manchester United’s current first-team squad didn’t have a single player called into the latest England squad, but one academy starlet has just featured in training.

It is a damning indication of Manchester United’s struggles that the England squad rarely has a Red Devil called up these days.

Loanee Marcus Rashford is in the team, but Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount, Luke Shaw, and Harry Maguire have all missed out once again under Thomas Tuchel.

Mainoo’s frequent absence has frustrated fans; however, it is Ruben Amorim who is to blame for this, as the midfielder hasn’t played anywhere near enough.

This being said, the future of United players representing England is bright, with four players in the U20 squad, and now one of these youngsters has been afforded the chance to step up and train with the senior squad.

Shea Lacey gets rare opportunity for England

This international break has seen Shea Lacey return to the fold for England, as a deserved reward for his excellent start to the season, which has a first-team debut now looking realistic.

Lacey got his first England call-up in two years, making the U20 squad, which sees him skip the U19s, having only recently featured as high as U17.

However, testament to how exciting Lacey is, Thomas Tuchel has now called him into senior training to get a better look at his talent.

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Journalist Nathan Salt confirmed this on X, stating that it was deserved recognition and a chance for Lacey to impress Tuchel and the senior set-up, along with Amorim, who will be aware.

Salt also adds that it is rare for a young player to get this chance, which means Lacey is being given special treatment, with the coaches clearly very excited about him.

Shea Lacey will be playing for Manchester United’s senior team before 2026

It was only earlier this month that Lacey completed his first 90 minutes since October 2023, which was the key step on his comeback, with his talent not doubted but his fitness being the only issue.

This season, Lacey has been impressing United’s first-team players in training, with the squad getting excited over his potential.

Within the club hierarchy, Lacey is considered ready for first-team football by United, and therefore, we fully expect that he will be making his debut over the next few weeks and months, with academy football no longer serving its purpose.

Amorim could use Lacey as a back-up to Bryan Mbeumo initially, and it would be a move that would be very popular with United fans.

It looks like a no-brainer, and if Lacey remains fit, he could even be in England international consideration for the World Cup next summer, considering Tuchel’s clear eagerness to get him involved.

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