Shea Lacey shows unsung quality during 5-2 Man Utd defeat, will prove point to Ruben Amorim

Manchester United’s U21 side took on Barnsley in the EFL Trophy group stage on Tuesday night, and there were positives despite the shocking final scoreline.

Manchester United held their own against the League One side, taking the lead through Jack Fletcher early in the game, with Chido Obi getting the assist.

Travis Binnion’s side then went 2-1 behind before Obi scored a goal of his own with Shea Lacey providing an immaculate assist, which prompted the Dane to give his teammate full credit for the goal.

However, United ended up losing with Fletcher seeing red for a ridiculous reason, allowing the senior Barnsley team to then run away to a 5-2 win.

But the performance of Lacey was particularly pleasing.

Shea Lacey proves he can handle first-team physicality with performance vs Barnsley

Lacey’s assist for Obi was very impressive as he nipped in front of a Barnsley player to win the ball back in midfield, leaving the opponent on the ground, before driving with the ball at pace and picking out the striker.

The work to win the ball back here demonstrates Lacey’s unsung ability in his work rate across the pitch, which will catch Ruben Amorim’s eye.

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Additionally, Lacey’s physicality has been steadily improving, and now he is holding his own against League One senior players, winning six of nine duels attempted.

Amorim might have had doubts over Lacey’s physicality, but this just proves that he is more than ready to face senior opposition, furthering the argument that he should get a debut for United.

Lacey’s physicality and work rate are often overlooked, but if he is to step into Amorim’s side, they are necessary qualities.

Amorim has been impressed this season by Lacey this season so far, arguing that the wonderkid has played with a freedom not before seen, which suggests he is comfortable within his physicality after a long time of persistent injuries.

Shea Lacey looks likely to be Manchester United’s 255th academy graduate

In the long tradition of United’s academy graduates throughout history, there have been few with as much hype as Lacey has had over the years.

Lacey has been known by fans for years, but in the last 24 months, his injury struggles have led to frustration over how unlucky he was to not remain fit.

United knows Lacey is talented enough to play senior football; however, he needed to prove his fitness. This season, United have eased Lacey back into action slowly, the smart decision as he is finally finding the consistency and fitness he needed.

Another reason behind his lack of a debut is that United didn’t want to throw youngsters into the struggling senior side. But Lacey could be on the cusp now as United improve.

Lacey looks almost guaranteed to become the 255th graduate; it’s just a matter of time.

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