Manchester United appear set to include Shea Lacey in their matchday squad to face Everton on Monday night – with Ruben Amorim keen to integrate the player into his first-team plans.
Luke Thrower and Matthew Abbott US Sports Writer
14:42, 24 Nov 2025
Shea Lacey is already training with the Manchester United first-team squad.(Image: Ash Donelon, Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United will reportedly include academy prodigy Shea Lacey in their matchday squad for Monday night’s clash with Everton.
Ruben Amorim seems keen on integrating the youngster ahead of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo’s departure for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). United’s head coach is thought to view tonight’s match as the perfect chance to kick-start that process. The 18-year-old has been earmarked for a bright future.
Lacey has caught the attention of supporters over the past three years with his standout performances for the academy. He has been a regular feature for the Under-18s since the 2022/2023 season. This campaign has, also, seen him promoted to the Under-21s, where he has contributed to their efforts in Premier League 2. Primarily deployed as a right winger, Lacey’s dominant left foot allows him to cut inside and wreak havoc on opponents.
That’s a trait which could fit nicely into one of the ‘two 10’ roles in Amorim’s favoured system. However, he’s also comfortable playing on the left flank or as an attacking midfielder.
With three goals and two assists to his name for the Under-21s so far this season, Lacey can continue his progress towards becoming a mainstay in the senior squad. That chance to make his mark is coming sooner rather than later.
Shea Lacey could make a perfect replacement for Bryan Mbeumo this winter.(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
A report from MUFC Academy – on social media – suggests the teenager will be in the squad for Monday’s clash with Everton. Should Amorim give him the nod at this point, it would mark the first time the youngster has been included in a matchday squad for the senior team, as he continues his journey towards the first XI.
With AFCON kicking off in late December, there is less than a month for the manager to weigh up his alternatives to replace key players like Amad and Mbeumo. While there were hints that January’s transfer window might provide reinforcements in those positions, the club’s head coach has already indicated he’ll turn to the academy for support instead.
Amorim said: “It is a concern, but we already knew [about that]. There is an opportunity for other players. We also have the Under-21s.
“We need to send a message in that time, so we will see. Of course, it is not ideal because they are so important in our team and we don’t have a long squad, but again, our academy is for these moments, and so they will be ready.”
Shea Lacey currently plays for England Under-20s. (Image: Alex Livesey – The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
While it remains unclear just how significant an influence Lacey could have during that spell without those crucial players, his natural ability has certainly earned recognition. Lee Carsley, who oversees the England Under-21s, has been closely monitoring the United prospect, with the player having already represented England at the Under-20 level.
The head coach heaped praise on the young forward during an interview with The Daily Mail, saying: “He has been in the pathway a good amount of time now – and he’s a player that we rate highly. It worked out well that we needed that position for the training we were doing, and Shea was more than happy to come over and train with the Under-21s.
“You can see he’s a good talent. I know he’s struggled with injuries in the past, which has probably held back his development – but I think it’s so important we don’t rush these young players; we let them develop in their own time. He trained two sessions with us, and I enjoyed having him.”
