Forward Shea Lacey is one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from Manchester United academy in recent memory.

Described as ‘fearless‘ by coach Darren Fletcher, Lacey made his first-team debut under former manager Ruben Amorim. He replaced Leny Yoro in the 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa in December.

The 18-year-old also featured in the 2-2 draw against Burnley and the 2-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup, in which he was sent off.

United U21 interim coach Adam Lawrence has now confirmed that Lacey is part of the first-team setup.

He told Manchester Evening News: “Shea is quite a unique case that you don’t see a lot because he’s always had a higher level, like elite technical levels.

“He’s been a later developer physically. So with the physical side of the game, those players need more time and patience. This period has been really critical for Shea because he’s been consistently with the first team.”

“So on a day-to-day basis, Shea will train with the first team, basically follow their programme and then obviously be topped up with Under-21 games when he needs to be playing.”

Lawrence’s comments will...