Man Utd seal deal with 'Scouse Lionel Messi' as wonderkid signs long-term contract

Manchester United wonderkid Shea Lacey has signed his first professional contract with the club this week, after celebrating his 17th birthday over the weekend.

The teenager, dubbed the Scouse Lionel Messi, has yet to make his senior debut for United. However, after some impressive form at under-18 level, he was invited by Erik ten Hag to join first-team training this month.

United have a rich history of welcoming academy graduates into the first team. Just this season, teenagers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have earned significant game time, while 19-year-olds WIlly Kambwala and Omari Forson have made made Premier League debuts.

An England youth international, Lacey has put in some impressive performances for the under-18s this term. The highlight came in September, with two goals and an assist in a 5-1 win over Newcastle, and fans will be keeping a close eye on what’s next for him.

Lacey’s 17th birthday on Sunday had been long awaited at United and became the day on which he signed professional terms. He announced on Monday night: “Proud moment for me and my family signing my first professional contract at this club @ManUtd”.

Lacey can operate all across the front-line. However, the left-footed starlet tends to operate from the right, prompting both the Messi nickname and comparisons with Phil Foden’s early days in the blue half of Manchester.

The development of Garnacho and Mainoo has demonstrated manager Erik ten Hag’s willingness to trust in youth – something which Lacey will hope to benefit from. The pair have played a combined 48 times in the league this season, with winger Garnacho scoring seven goals and central midfielder Mainoo contributing two of his own.

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Shea Lacey celebrates inking his first pro deal with Manchester United

Lacey isn’t the first academy talent to sign his first professional deal this term. Back in December, United confirmed fellow 17-year-old Jaydan Kamason put pen to paper on a deal. The club explained it doesn’t announce all such contracts but made an exception for the teenager.

“While the Academy does not normally announce a player’s first professional contract, an exception has been made in this case to celebrate the success of the Emerging Talent Programme in creating opportunities for children across Greater Manchester to develop their talent,” a club statement read.

“The Academy’s Emerging Talent Programme delivers a range of projects in the community that ensure as many children as possible have the chance to engage with Manchester United, experience how the Academy operates and create incredible memories playing the game.”

United also handed new deals to youngsters Joe Hugill and Radek Vitek midway through the season. 20-year-old striker Hugill is concluding the campaign on loan at Burton Albion, with goalkeeper Vitek, also 20, getting game time at Accrington Stanley.

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