Shea Lacey set for Man United first-XI role after 'exciting' showing

Shea Lacey is set to be involved with the Manchester United first-team this season after impressing with his pre-season displays.

The 19-year-old has featured regularly during the Red Devils' pre-season trip to Finland, Norway and Sweden, and has impressed Michael Carrick with his performances.

Despite his age and lack of senior game time, the winger has shown flashes of brilliance, and there are high hopes for his development among the coaching staff.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Lacey is extremely highly rated at Old Trafford and will play a role under Michael Carrick.

While the teenager still has to contend with returning starters including Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo on his favoured right-hand side, there is a place for him.

It would be "unfair" to expect Lacey to start every week, but minutes from the bench and regular appearances in cup competitions could be on the cards this season.

What do Man United have planned for Shea Lacey?

Lacey has already recieved first-team minutes at Old Trafford, having made three appearances in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup last season.

His FA Cup cameo ended in controversy as he was sent off after throwing the ball to the ground out of frustration, leading to a second yellow card in the 2-1 defeat.

That had led to concerns about whether he would bounce back, but after his pre-season displays, he remains one of the most highly regarded young players at Man United.

"Shea Lacey is a very talented and very exciting young player," Brown told Football Insider.

"Everything I hear about him is positive, by all accounts he's a good lad, and they rate him very highly after he progressed through the academy and now into the first-team.

"He's been very impressive in pre-season, and I have no doubt the coaches have been impressed by what they've seen from him.

"He has shown he can play against senior opposition, and while it's only pre-season so you can't always read too much into it, he has been one of Man United's better players.

"The real test will be when the senior players come back in, because he's got to compete with Amad and Bryan Mbeumo on that right-hand side, which won't be easy.

"But I think it's fair to expect him to be part of the first-team plans this season, even if it's just the odd appearance off the bench or featuring in cup games as he continues to develop."

Which other academy stars could burst onto the scene?

Lacey is not the only young player to impress for Man United during their pre-season tour, with Carrick handing opportunities to a number of bright academy stars.

The likes of Harry Amass, Ethan Williams, Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher have all impressed when given opportunities during the northern European tour.

Meanwhile, JJ Gabriel has continued to turn heads at just 15 years old, as he became the youngest player ever to feature for the Man United first team.

Brown told Football Insider in February that Gabriel has impressed his coaches, and there are high hopes for his development, as he is seen as a "special" talent.

Man United have been urged to be careful with his progress and first-team involvement, but after impressing in training with the senior team, Carrick could hand him an opportunity.