Shea Lacey is set to make his first Premier League start for Manchester United against Aston Villa on Sunday, according to unnamed sources cited by talkSPORT presenter Andy Goldstein. The reported selection follows his assist in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Roma and arrives with Michael Carrick under pressure. According to Football365.com.
Carrick turns to Shea Lacey as Villa test follows Roma comeback
talkSPORT presenter Andy Goldstein says his sources have told him that Shea Lacey will start against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday. Goldstein added that the same person had told him Bruno Fernandes was going to be dropped. Such a selection would be Lacey’s first Premier League start.
Lacey, 19 and an England Under-20 international, replaced Amad Diallo on 75 minutes against Roma on Tuesday. United came from two goals down to win 3-2 in the Champions League, and the teenager set up the winning goal. That helped bring an end to a run of nine matches without a win.
The timing matters for Carrick, who has been under pressure for weeks. United kept him as head coach after crisis talks following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on October 25, which stretched their winless run to eight in all competitions, and Chelsea made it nine without a win last weekend.
Goldstein said something appears to be missing in Amad’s game, suggesting his finishing may be the issue, and called Lacey “a really, really good player”. Wayne Rooney, speaking on Amazon Prime, praised Lacey’s first touch and pass for the assist, while noting that end product is what lifts a player to the next level.
Carrick was equally complimentary about the youngster, saying the club love him to bits and describing him as desperate to do well. He added that “He’s got that little glint in his eye, he plays with a bit of mischief”. Goldstein said the crowd are on the edge of their seats whenever Lacey is on the ball.
