Shea Lacey - Man Utd starlet set for breakthrough season as Carrick gives go-ahead

Shea Lacey is set for a breakthrough season in the Manchester United first team after shining under Michael Carrick's watchful eye.

For much of the past two years, Shea Lacey has been regarded as one of United's brightest academy talents.

Injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress, but like JJ Gabriel he has the full backing of the club. Other youth players have been given the news that they will have to find a new club this week but Lacey is firmly in the camp of those staying.

The 19-year-old was knocking on the door last season after continuing to impress with his deadly left-foot in the academy.

He was brought on the for the final Premier League game away to Brighton where the Reds ran out 3-0 winners.

The clearest indication came during pre-season. Lacey featured prominently against Rosenborg, scoring in the 5-0 victory before being named United's Man of the Match.

A week later, Carrick trusted the 19-year-old again against Atletico Madrid, handing him the No10 role behind Bryan Mbeumo. It was Lacey's intelligent run into the penalty area that won the spot-kick from which Mbeumo scored United's winner.

Rather than simply rewarding an academy player with minutes, Carrick has shown that he is ready to use him consistently this season and aged 19 there is a feeling that it is his moment to shine.

Lacey is in many ways a traditional winger because of his close control and left foot, but his game has evolved.

Comfortable operating on either flank or centrally, he thrives between the lines where he can receive possession, beat defenders and create chances.

His low centre of gravity, quick feet and eye for a defence-splitting pass make him one of the most technically gifted players to emerge from United's academy in recent years.

Unlike many young attackers, he also presses aggressively without the ball, something Carrick demands from every member of his forward line.

He is most likely to be used on the wings and will provide plenty of competition for Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.

Perhaps the biggest obstacle in Lacey's development has been fitness.

Several injury setbacks disrupted what many expected would be his breakthrough over the past two seasons, preventing him from building momentum just as he was pushing towards senior football.

Now fully fit, he has enjoyed an uninterrupted pre-season and is beginning to show the talent that made him one of England's standout youth internationals.

The consistency of minutes could prove just as important as his technical ability.

United are prepared to loan or even sell several academy players this summer as they reshape the pathway to the first team.

Lacey, however, is one of the few youngsters regarded as untouchable.

Alongside JJ Gabriel and Jack and Tyler Fletcher, the teenager is viewed as one of the jewels of Carrington and a player the club want to develop in-house rather than send elsewhere.