“Exceptional player” – Bruno Fernandes mesmerised by evolving Man Utd star who could succeed him

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes heaps praise on his young teammate Shea Lacey, who is now a full-fledged member of the senior squad.

The 19-year-old is one of the most exciting young stars to emerge from the club’s academy over the past few years.

After cementing himself as the main star for Man Utd U21, Ruben Amorim gave the winger his senior debut last summer. Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick also went on to select him. The latter has now confirmed Lacey as part of his squad for the new season.

Bruno Fernandes delighted with Shea Lacey

The Liverpool native is a left-footed attacker who often plays as an inverted winger. This role allows him to cut from the right wing before going for goal with his powerful left foot.

Nevertheless, Carrick mostly deployed him as an attacking midfielder during pre-season, as Fernandes was still on his post-World Cup vacation, while Mason Mount was covering in a deeper role prior to his injury.

Lacey’s exploits in the central role left an impression on the Portuguese skipper, who noted vast improvement in his game.

“Shea came with a different mentality this season in terms of playing off the ball—it’s been great. It was one of the first things I said to him when I got back,” said Bruno during his interview with Men in Blazers (via The Sun).

“Because I had to watch the first three pre-season friendlies and he was playing in the position I play, where it demands a lot of running and emotional intelligence to be covering spaces and helping the ones in front. And he did that very well.”

Bruno also revealed he’s been acting as a mentor for Lacey for the last five years, having served as his coach.

“His technical ability was never in doubt; he is an exceptional player. He has some very good abilities. I am always joking with him because I coached him during my badges when he was 14.

“I was basically his manager for one day, me and Juan Mata. I tell him he is much better now than when he was 14. He’s much more mature, he’s doing very well. He is always on it in training and that is something they all need to do.”

Will Lacey get a fair chance at Man Utd this season

On the first day of the new season, Lacey was given a second-half cameo in the hopes of reversing the score against Hull City.

Although his introduction proved futile, with United suffering a humbling away defeat, the 19-year-old did little to harm his chances of earning further opportunities.

With Amad Diallo and Mason Mount out with injuries, Lacey should be the first alternative for Bryan Mbeumo on the right wing and Fernandes in the attacking-midfielder role. Even if he doesn’t earn a starting role, the packed schedule should offer him plenty of opportunities to shine.

And with the captain supporting his claim, the talented youngster can go on to enjoy a breakthrough season.