Regardless of a summer season stuffed with promising transfers and a basic feeling of goodwill surrounding Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ new minority stake within the membership, Manchester United haven’t obtained off to an ideal begin within the Premier League.
Erik ten Hag’s facet beat Fulham at residence however then misplaced back-to-back video games towards Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool earlier than choosing up their second win away to newly promoted Southampton.
Nevertheless, whereas there is not a lot to cheer about within the speedy future for the Purple Devils, they do look to be on the suitable path off the pitch and, with thrilling kids like Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho changing into more and more essential within the squad, the longer term seems to be vivid.
That stated, Garnacho might have to begin trying over his shoulder within the not-too-distant future, as United have an thrilling teenager arising by way of the academy who might ultimately problem him for a spot within the group.
Garnacho’s current type
Whereas Garnacho broke into the primary group in the course of the 21/22 marketing campaign, the final two seasons have seen him develop from a fringe youth participant into an important a part of the primary group and somebody with loads of promise.
For instance, in 22/23, the Madrid-born gem made 34 first-team appearances, totalling 1205 minutes, by which he scored 5 targets and offered 5 assists, which means he averaged a objective involvement as soon as each 3.4 video games or each 120.5 minutes.
Final season noticed his involvement within the group considerably enhance, and he made 50 first-team appearances, totalling 3574 minutes, by which he scored ten targets – together with that screamer at Goodison Park – and offered 5 assists, equating to a objective involvement on common each 3.33 video games, or each 238.2 minutes.
This yr, the seven-capped worldwide seems to be set to stay a key determine in Ten Hag’s squad, and as issues stand, he is scored two targets and offered one help in 5 appearances, totalling 171 minutes, throughout the league and Neighborhood Defend, which is a median of a objective involvement as soon as each 1.66 matches or 57 minutes.
In all, Garnacho is likely one of the most enjoyable and promising gamers on this United squad, however he might quickly have some extra competitors from a teenager arising by way of the academy.
Why followers ought to be enthusiastic about Shea Lacey
Sure, the younger academy prospect in query is 17-year-old Shea Lacey.
The Liverpool-born winger has been turning heads within the Purple Devils’ youth set-up for a while now, and whereas he is nonetheless so younger, he was rewarded together with his first skilled contract in April this yr.
Like Garnacho, the “unbelievable” attacker, as dubbed by expertise scout Jacek Kulig, can play in just a few positions on the pitch, together with left-wing and attacking midfield, however has performed essentially the most off the suitable, the place he loves to chop in and use his stronger left foot.
|
Lacey’s youth report |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Staff |
U18s |
Youth League |
|
Appearances |
20 |
3 |
|
Objectives |
5 |
0 |
|
Assists |
5 |
1 |
|
Purpose Involvements per Match |
0.50 |
0.33 |
|
All Stats by way of Transfermarkt |
||
Over the past two seasons, the dynamic teenager has made 23 appearances for the youth sides, scoring 5 targets and offering six assists, which means he is maintained a median of a objective involvement each 2.09 video games, primarily from the wings.
Sadly for the “very, very particular participant”, as BBC Sport’s Alex Turk dubbed him, he suffered a thigh damage in October final season, which disrupted his marketing campaign and noticed him spend 161 days on the sideline.
Nevertheless, the excellent news is that he is now again to full health and, together with his new contract, has the possibility to proceed his improvement and hopefully push for the odd inclusion within the first group.
Finally, whereas it is nonetheless early days, and his damage has seen his improvement slowed considerably, Lacey seems to be like he has what it takes to make it at United, and who is aware of, in just a few years, he may very well be difficult Garnacho for a spot within the beginning lineup.
