Michael Carrick has been told to give more first-team opportunities to Manchester United academy prospect Shea Lacey, as the club reportedly refrains from spending in the January transfer window. Former United player Clayton Blackmore believes the 18-year-old could become a crucial asset in the coming months.
Lacey made his senior debut against Aston Villa last month and showed potential, but was sent off after two quick yellow cards during the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton. He later apologised on social media, saying: 'I let everybody down tonight... I will do everything I can to make this right.'
Blackmore praised Lacey, telling the Manchester Evening News via Stake: 'I like the lad Lacey... That's the good thing [Darren] Fletcher has done. He's brought him in... You can't not play him because of his age. It's like Sir Matt Busby said, 'If you're good enough, you're old enough.'''
Lacey, who is suspended for the derby against Manchester City, hails from a Liverpool-supporting family but supports United. He made his under-18s debut at 15 and has impressed in central positions as well as on the right wing, where Bryan Mbeumo is first choice.
