Man Utd fans lose the plot after spotting 16-year-old ‘answer to Lionel Messi’ in first team training
MANCHESTER UNITED fans are “failing not to get carried away” after spotting their “answer to Lionel Messi” in first-team training – aged 16.
Supporters raved “Oh my!” as “ridiculous” talent Shea Lacey joined senior stars four days before he is expected to sign his first professional contract.
The winger from Merseyside has been compared to Manchester City’s Phil Foden, as well as playing for England from Under-15s to U-17 level.
And supporters wonder if he could make a teen impact similar to a history-making darts prodigy, now 17, who supports United.
But whereas “The Nuke” stands tall alongside older rivals at the oche, Lacey is still towered over by most of the Red Devils’ senior squad in practice.
One fan joked: “He’s no Luke Littler!! Looks about 13, bless him. What an absolute buzz for the kid though.”
Another posted: “Trying and failing not to get carried away about the lad’s prospects. “
And a third wrote: “Watched him on highlights a few times…Oh my!!!! Let’s hope he gets brought along the right way.”
Red Devils’ supporter Lacey has shone in the Uefa Youth League and long been labelled “Man Utd’s answer to Lionel Messi”.
And having been on a scholarship deal, he can pen a pro contract on his 17th birthday – April 14.
Fans thrilled to see Lacey step up to practice with the first team predicted an even greater breakthrough soon as one posted: “The time is nearly upon us.”
Another said: “This lad has the potential to be world class.”
And a third supporter stressed that manager Erik ten Hag calling up Lacey was no gimmick.
He wrote on X: “Ten Hag’s youth development is majorly under-appreciated. He has set a solid standard as well. Youth won’t get charity minutes. If they are training with the first team, it’s because they earned it. Clear standards.”
Fellow Three Lions’ you star Harry Amass, 17, a defender from London, has already signed a pro contract with United.
Amass, plus 16-year-olds Bendito Mantato and the “next Wayne Rooney” Amir Ibragimov, have also trained with Ten Hag’s squad.
United sit sixth in the Premier League ahead of Saturday’s trip to mid-table Bournemouth.