Man Utd include highly-rated academy star Shea Lacey, 18, in squad for first time for Everton clash after Cunha injury
SHEA LACEY has earned his first call-up to the Manchester United first-team squad for tonight’s Premier League clash against Everton.
The 18-year-old academy star has been linked with breaking into Ruben Amorim’s team since the start of the season.
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Shea Lacey has earned his first call-up to the Manchester United first-team squadCredit: Getty
Lacey has regularly trained with the senior squadCredit: Getty
Liverpool-born Lacey has regularly trained with the seniors and is already a fan favourite, having been tipped for a big future since his early teens.
Lacey’s inclusion in the matchday squad follows a minor knock sustained by Matheus Cunha in Saturday’s training session.
The injury was severe enough to force the Brazilian to withdraw from his commitment to turn on the Altrincham Christmas lights.
The teenager starts on the bench for United, with Cunha excluded from the squad completely.
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Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee has been handed his first start of the season.
Only academy centre-back Tyler Fredricson has had fewer minutes in the first team this term than Zirkzee, who has a total of 90 in all competitions.
Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Luke Shaw make up the back three with Noussair Mazraoui and Patrick Dorgu as wing-backs.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro line up in midfield with Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo operating in a more attacking position.
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Zirkzee completes the 11 and leads the attack.
Lisandro Martinez returns to the bench for the first time since tearing his ACL at Old Trafford in February.
Kobbie Mainoo is also back among the subs after missing the 2-2 draw at Spurs before the international break.
SunSport exclusively revealed that Amorim would turn to United’s talented academy for support amid injuries and the upcoming African Cup of Nations.
Amorim wants to integrate Lacey before Amad and Mbeumo head to AFCON on December 21 – with Monday’s clash thought to be an ideal opportunity.
Lacey is largely played as a right winger, but his stronger left foot makes him a difficult opponent.
He narrowly missed his first squad selection for the October win over Sunderland, which saw goalkeeper Senne Lammens make his debut.
The forward opened his account for England U20s this month and has trained with England U21s and Thomas Tuchel’s first team since the start of the season.
Lacey has featured plenty for United’s Under-18s since the 2022/2023 season, though this campaign has seen him take the step up to join the Under-21s.
He has contributed five goal contributions in five starts for Travis Binnion’s side in Premier League 2.
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United’s first team stars have been impressed by Lacey following his recent involvement in training, with Harry Maguire taking him under his wing.
The teenager hails from a family of proud, match-going Liverpool fans who have played in Liverpool’s youth systems themselves.
