Manchester United needed inspiration from Shea Lacey against Roma in the Champions League. But it is what happens next that happens most.

‘We love him’, said Michael Carrick after Shea Lacey provided the assist for Matheus Cunha’s winner against Roma. Carrick was seen embracing Lacey on the pitch to congratulate him for his star turn.

Cunha also spoke appreciatively of Lacey, humbly saying he was glad to play a part in the youngster’s big moment.

Manchester United now have a huge responsibility to ensure that Lacey establishes himself as a long-term part of the club’s future plans.

Why there is frustration over Shea Lacey’s usage

There has been frustration among Manchester United fans because Shea Lacey has seen so little action in the Premier League this season. This is not just a sentimental yearning to play an academy talent, it is based on the belief Lacey is good enough.

Lacey was the breakout star in pre-season, and scored on his only start, in the Carabao Cup. But Michael Carrick has not given him a real opportunity – despite the fact other players have failed to justify being kept in the team.

In the Premier League, Lacey has played only twice this season, as a substitute, for a total of 22 minutes.

Lacey’s instant impact with his assist in the Champions League proved that he is good enough. So it is time that Carrick commits to using the youngster more regularly.

Manchester United academy doubts

Manchester United have an incredible record of naming an academy player in a matchday squad for every single game dating back to 1937. The record spans more than 4,300 matches.

But the days of the ‘Class of 92‘ are long gone. Manchester United won the FA Youth Cup in 2022, but only one of those players has gone on to hold down a place in the first team; Kobbie Mainoo.

Mainoo made his debut in 2023. Going further back, Scott McTominay in 2017 and Marcus Rashford are the only stellar big names to emerge.

Since Mainoo’s debut, 12 academy players have made their first team debuts for United. None of them have established themselves as regulars, with several sold already. Making a debut is not the same as being successfully integrated into the senior team.

United fans have been asking whether the academy provides a genuine pathway to first team football, and whether it actually makes stars any more. Is it just viewed by Ineos as a way to develop players to sell on to raise money?

Scott McTominay was the highest profile example of this, sold under Ineos for £40 million, while goalkeeper Radek Vitek was among players sold this summer without ever making his competitive debut.

For future graduates to succeed at United, the pathway needs to work.

JJ Gabriel wanted exit

JJ Gabriel was touted as the next superstar to break through at Manchester United. After top scoring for the under-18s at just 15, he was touted as a ‘generational talent‘. But he has decided to leave the club.

Gabriel’s desire to leave can’t be pinned on one thing. He is set to sign with Real Madrid, out of a desire to play in La Liga and establish himself there. The style of football may suit him better. Other suggestions are that it was a financial decision.

But there have also been claims that Gabriel felt a lack of trust from United, wanting a quicker pathway to the first team.

While this seemed impatient, it was easy to see the concerns of Gabriel’s camp when 19-year-old Lacey has spent most of 2026/27 warming the United bench, with only 22 minutes of action in the Premier League so far – despite doing everything right.

Lacey success can answer questions

Shea Lacey showed against Roma that he is capable of influencing big matches. His first United goal came against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, a team that currently rank third in the Premier League.

It is time for Michael Carrick to show more trust in Lacey, and not just to help the team in the short-term.

A larger role for Lacey this season and beyond will demonstrate that Carrington can still produce star talents, and that Manchester United’s famous academy pathway is still thriving.