Darren Fletcher names young star who is ‘the future’ of Man Utd after thrilling cameo | Football

Darren Fletcher believes Shea Lacey will ‘be a big part of Manchester United’s future’ after his thrilling cameo off the bench against Burnley.

United dropped more points on Wednesday night against the side second bottom in the Premier League with Darren Fletcher taking the reins following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

Trailing at the break, Benjamin Sesko scored twice early in the second-half to give the visitors the lead but a superb equaliser from Jaidon Anthony set up a tense finish at Turf Moor.

With Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo away on international duty at AFCON, 18-year-old Lacey has been drafted into the senior squad, making his debut off the bench against Aston Villa just before Christmas.

The winger was thrown on with six minutes of the match remaining and almost won it for United. Cutting in from the right onto his left foot, Lacey curled a wonderful effort on goal from outside the box, beating Martin Dubravka onto to be denied by the cross bar.

While denied his Frederico Macheda moment, the teenager will be hopeful more opportunities will now come his way with Fletcher insisting he has ‘no doubts’ over his ability to become a first-team star.

‘I said to him, “stay wide and go and do what you can do” and he did that. I know he is going to have an impact,’ Fletcher said in his post-match press conference.

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‘He is exciting, he is direct, he is fearless. He had a really bright game.

‘I’m pleased for him. He has had a lot of injuries in recent years and he hasn’t been able to get his momentum going but we know the talent he has got. He will be a big part of Manchester United’s future, I have no doubts about that.’

Lacey has had to overcome persistent injury problems over the last two years but there is huge excitement over his potential back at Carrington.

Blessed with exceptional close control and dribbling ability, the Merseyside-born youngster has drawn early comparisons with Phil Foden, a product of Manchester City’s academy, and United legend Wayne Rooney.

Having also boxed at amateur level before committing to football, he is unlikely to be intimidated by anyone on the pitch.

He signed his first professional contract with United after turning 17 in 2024 and has been part of the England set up since Under-15 level.

He caught the eye of former United boss Erik ten Hag who held private meetings with a number of United youngsters including a then-16-year-old Lacey in the summer of 2023 after his first season in charge.

Talk of a senior debut under the Dutchman went away as injuries struck.

Having made up for lost time, Lacey has been included in the senior squad nine times this season with Amad and Mbeumo unavailable.

He will be hoping for another chance in the team when United take on Brighton in the FA Cup third round this weekend.

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