Manchester United fans have delivered their verdict on whether academy sensation Shea Lacey should start the first game of the season after his standout pre-season performances.
Pre-season breakthrough
Lacey has been one of the standout performers during pre-season. With several senior players resting after the World Cup, Michael Carrick turned to the academy to fill gaps in his squad for fixtures against Wrexham, Rosenborg, Atletico Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Lacey seized his opportunity, scoring the opener in the 5-0 thrashing of Rosenborg and winning the penalty as United beat Atletico Madrid 2-1 in Stockholm, Sweden. He was one of only a handful of academy players who travelled to Gothenburg to face PSG, playing the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with the Champions League holders, before being an unused substitute against Leeds United.
Fan verdict
MEN Sport asked United readers: 'Should Shea Lacey start for Manchester United in the first game of the season?' Of the 4,293 responses received, the majority (66 per cent) voted 'Yes - he's been excellent in pre-season and deserves a chance'.
Only 26 per cent voted 'No - it would be too much of a risk to throw him in now', while eight per cent were 'unsure'.
Season opener prospects
United start the season at Hull City on Saturday, August 22, with all senior players expected back at Carrington. Lacey has played in the No.10 role for much of pre-season, but Bruno Fernandes should take that spot if fit. The teenager is naturally a right-sided winger but can also play on the left flank.
Regardless of whether Lacey is included, several spots remain up for grabs for the Premier League opener next week.
