Manchester United fans want Shea Lacey to be starting after he came off the bench and played a crucial role in remarkable 3-2 victory over AS Roma.
It looked like being another long night for Michael Carrick and his team when the Italians took a two-nil lead by the 17th minute. Matias Soule opened the scoring with ease due to defensive mishaps before Donyell Malen converted a penalty.
Carrick has come under increasing pressure and he might just have given the biggest team talk of his coaching career. His side were booed off the pitch at half-time but a different team emerged from the tunnel for the second half.
Bruno Fernandes gave United a lifeline with a penalty which had to be retaken due to encroachment. Matheus Cunha then capitalised on a glaring mistake, tucking the ball home.
Carrick turned to Lacey off the bench and the English youngster made an instant impact. His quick feet and agility gave Roma problems and he provided an excellent assist for Cunha to smash home the winner in the 86th minute.
Shea Lacey wows in Man Utd comeback win
A game of two halves for a United side who were staring at a 10th game without a win. While Cunha deservedly will get plenty of praise despite being sent off, Lacey's display has supporters calling for him to be given more opportunities.
Lacey has been waiting in the wings under Carrick as the English coach has preferred Amad. The Ivorian struggled to influence proceedings and it will be interesting to see if his manager decides to give his replacement a chance against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Amidst one of United's worst ever starts to a season is the JJ Gabriel saga as the teenager pushes to leave Old Trafford. Lacey doesn't look like he wants to be anywhere else and the Stretford End are right behind him.
There is a real chance for Lacey to claim the right-wing spot for the rest of the year. Benjamin Sesko is sidelined until 2027 which has led to Carrick moving Bryan Mbeumo to the focal point of his attack.
Amad recently returned from injury but has done little to prove he deserves to be a consistent starter. And starting Lacey instead is an opinion largely shared by many fans.
One fan wrote on X: "Carrick you have seen what you have been missing by not playing Lacey.”
Another added: "Lacey comes on and causes mayhem more than Amad."
One said: "Shea Lacey has been quality, you got to start this kid from now on."
Another agreed: "Shea Lacey wow man. Changed the game."
One is urging Carrick to make the change: "Yeah just make sure Lacey is starting against Villa."
Another added: "Lacey better start the next game, that goal was all him."
Lacey is a product of United's academy but interestingly was born in Liverpool. The 19-year-old has been earning rave reviews amid his journey to the senior team and he's clearly now pushing for a start.
