Man United could find Giggs 2.0 in Lacey
Manchester United are renowned for their production of young talent, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay and Alejandro Garnacho just a handful of the more recent examples of those who have emerged from the club’s academy ranks to become part of the first-team.
Current manager Erik ten Hag does appear keen to follow in the footsteps of those who have come before him by promoting deserving talent from within, with 17-year-old starlet Kobbie Mainoo having made his top-flight debut off the bench at the weekend.
The Dutchman will have to go some way, though, to replicate the success of legendary former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, with the serial-winning Scotsman having notably brought through the much-celebrated ‘Class of 92’.
Arguably the most successful member of that talented bunch – which includes the likes of Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and David Beckham – was wing wizard Ryan Giggs, with the now-retired Welshman the first of those to make his mark at senior level.
Having been plucked from rivals Manchester City at the age of just 14, the dynamic ace went on to make his professional debut in 1991, eventually playing a key part in ending United’s drought with regard to league titles in the inaugural Premier League campaign in 1992/93.
That triumph was the first of 13 league titles that the 64-cap sensation won during his time at Old Trafford, having gone on to rack up 964 appearances for the club in all competitions, unsurprisingly ensuring that he leads the way in that regard in United’s history.
That remarkable consistency and quality has ensured that Giggs is widely regarded as one of the best wingers to have played the game, with his former boss David Moyes having stated back in 2013: “The Premier League has seen some outstanding players but because of his ability and his longevity Ryan has to be just about the best. “
While it will prove rather impossible for any youngster to be able to emulate such a talent, Ten Hag and co could well have found a suitable heir to the 49-year-old in the form of teenage gem Shea Lacey.
Who could be Man United’s next Giggs?
Much like Giggs – who was able to wreak havoc on the flanks or in a midfield berth – young Lacey also offers the benefit of being able to feature out wide or in a playmaking role, having already been making waves at youth level of late.
While still only 15, the precocious talent has already set tongues wagging with his quality in possession, with talent scout Jacek Kulig lauding him as a player who has a “left foot made of gold” – an assessment which could also have been made of the aforementioned Giggs.
Despite his youth, the exciting asset has already made six appearances for the club’s U18 side, notably scoring once and laying on two assists in just five appearances in the U18 Premier League this season.
A youngster who has been sparking a “lot of excitement” at the Theatre of Dreams, in the words of Goal’s Tom Maston, Lacey appears set for a bright future in the game, having also been described by Kulig as “one of the most interesting U17s in Europe”.
Also lauded as United’s answer to City star Phil Foden, the emerging superstar only recently set pulses racing among supporters after starring in the Rewe Junior Cup last month, showcasing his eye-catching trickery to produce a remarkable solo goal in the competition.
While there is always concern about hyping up a player who is still likely to be years away from earning a first-team bow, the signs are that the Red Devils do have a potential Giggs-esque diamond on their hands.