Shea Lacey has publicly thanked Michael Carrick on social media after the Manchester United head coach departed his role at Old Trafford.
The teenager made eight of his 11 first-team appearances under Carrick. Lacey also scored his first senior goal in the Carabao Cup third-round tie against Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this season. That remains the only start he has made to date, but he has more recently made an impact as a substitute.
Tribute after Champions League comeback
After coming on against Roma in the Champions League, the winger played a pivotal role in turning the match around at Old Trafford by assisting Matheus Cunha's winning goal. Lacey has shared an image of Carrick hugging him after that comeback on his Instagram story.
The caption reads: "Thank you for everything, boss. I wish you all the best for the future," punctuated with a red heart and folded hands emoji.
Other players show appreciation
Several other United players have shared messages on their social media accounts since the club's announcement. Harry Maguire was among the first to do so. The club's de facto vice-captain shared a photo of them shaking hands after last season's 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur with the caption: "Will always be a legend. Respect (red heart emoji). Thank you."
Patrick Dorgu shared a similar sentiment after scoring the late equaliser against Aston Villa. The Denmark international posted a photo of himself and Carrick about to embrace after the full-time whistle, captioning it: "Thank you, coach and good luck for the future."
Even after being dropped by Carrick for the Bournemouth match, Bruno Fernandes said "thanks for everything, boss" in a post on his Instagram story. An almost identical message followed from Bryan Mbeumo, who posted "Thank you for everything, coach (red heart emoji)" alongside an image showing them embracing after the forward's late substitution during January's Manchester derby win over Manchester City.
Carlos Baleba has shared a similar sentiment. On top of a photo showing Carrick speaking to him during a pause in play during the 1-1 draw with Leeds United, the summer signing said: "Thank you for everything, Gaffer (red heart emoji)."
Ayden Heaven is another to show Carrick his appreciation. Alongside an image of them in conversation after last season's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, the 20-year-old said: "Thank you for the opportunities, boss and good luck for the future." Joshua Zirkzee, like Dorgu, has shared a photo of himself with Carrick after the Villa draw, adding a red heart emoji alongside a picture of them mid-embrace.
