Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The 17-year-old has committed his future to United by signing a long-term deal at Old Trafford.
Lacey said on X that the news was “a proud moment for me and my family”.
Proud moment for me and my family signing my first professional contract at this club @ManUtd ❤️😁 pic.twitter.com/J4pRgk8qiv
— Shea lacey (@Shealacey10) April 15, 2024
Academy players are allowed to sign their first professional contracts when they turn 17 and United have moved to tie him down at the nearest opportunity, with Lacey’s birthday falling on April 14.
The winger is regarded as one of the brightest talents in United’s academy, and he has recently been spotted in training with the senior men’s first team.
Lacey recently made a return to action following an injury that has kept him out of action since October. He featured at the weekend as a substitute in United’s Under-18s 4-2 win over Stoke City, where he played for 30 minutes.
Lacey, who is originally from Liverpool, has also played for United’s Under-21s and has represented England from Under-15 to Under-17 level.
United will be confirmed as the Premier League Under-18s northern division champions if they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
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Analysis by Manchester football writer Mark Critchley
Lacey is one of the brightest young talents to come through at Carrington as part of a gifted Under-18s side which has enjoyed an excellent season under the guidance of head coach Adam Lawrence.
A silky, technical winger, Lacey’s displays for United’s academy sides over the last few years have garnered plenty of attention — both in the wider industry and online — but he has not been able to feature as much as hoped this term due to the injury which also forced him to miss England’s Under-17 World Cup campaign.
Now finally back, Lacey is expected to play his part as the Under-18s aim to complete a league and cup double over the next fortnight, with a Premier League Under-18 Cup final against Manchester City next week.
And while it is not unusual for academy players to be promoted to first team sessions at Carrington to help fill out numbers, Lacey’s first experience of training with Erik ten Hag’s squad last week is unlikely to be his last.
(Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images)
