There aren’t many industries around the world that would see a 15-year-old dictate to them what they want, but that is exactly the situation in which Manchester United find themselves in.
Academy star JJ Gabriel has shocked many supporters and club members after deleting all of his social media posts and claiming he wants to leave the Red Devils.
Such a decision has undoubtedly been driven by the youngster’s father, and his demands have now put his long-term future at Old Trafford into huge jeopardy.
As a result, the recent antics could halt his progress in Manchester and result in a move away, which could hand one other young talent the opportunity to star under Michael Carrick.
Why Shea Lacey could be the next academy star at Man Utd
United’s academy has been known to create an endless conveyor belt of talent over recent years, which has seen various youngsters make the jump from the youth setup to the senior ranks.
Winger Shea Lacey could well be the next academy star to make his mark on the first-team, with Carrick seemingly already a big fan of the Northern Ireland international.
The 19-year-old had made six senior appearances prior to Wednesday night, with the manager deciding to start the teenager for the Carabao Cup clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
It’s safe to say the youngster took full advantage of the opportunity handed his way, as he fired home the opener after jinking past his man before firing past Jason Steele at his near post.
Such an effort was his first for the Red Devils, whilst he also produced some impressive underlying figures which saw him win two fouls and complete two dribbles.
The opposition often failed to live with the attacker’s direct and pacey nature within forward areas, with Carrick’s men looking a whole lot less threatening after his withdrawal.
|
Shea Lacey – stats against Brighton |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
|
Minutes played |
66 |
|
Touches |
39 |
|
Pass accuracy |
84% |
|
Goals scored |
1 |
|
Dribbles completed |
2 |
|
Tackles made |
3 |
|
Duels won |
60% |
|
Fouls won |
2 |
Undoubtedly, his tender age will have to see the club manage his expectations, but there’s no reason that the teenager can’t play a vital role in the club’s hopes of success in the future.
How United have signed the dream Gabriel replacement
Despite Lacey’s showing against Brighton last night, many United fans will still believe that Gabriel is still the club’s biggest prospect within the academy ranks.
However, his recent antics over the past week may have burnt his bridges in Manchester, which could massively impact his chances of being trusted in the first-team.
The club should let the teenager depart Old Trafford in the near future, with the player and his representatives evidently seeing his own future away from the Red Devils.
Such a decision may infuriate a portion of the fanbase, but they shouldn’t worry, with the club already completing a deal to sign young winger Isaac Konde from Liverpool.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed last week that the Red Devils had agreed a deal with their Premier League rivals to secure the services of the 16-year-old attacker.
Like Lacey and Gabriel, he will need time if he is to reach his full potential in Manchester, but there’s no reason why he can’t be a long term success in the years ahead.
Whilst he may be an unknown quantity to many of the supporters in Manchester, the teenager has already gained a reputation for being an extremely promising prospect.
The teenager made six appearances for Liverpool’s U18 last campaign, failing to get himself on the scoresheet, but did manage to provide a couple of assists.
Konde is capable of featuring off either flank in the final third and has become known for his tremendous direct dribbling ability and his relentless speed.
Such a skillset could see him get supporters off their seats at Old Trafford in the years ahead, which could also allow the Red Devils faithful to forget about the ongoing Gabriel saga.
Journalist Alex Young has also heaped praise on the soon-to-be United attacker, claiming that he’s “one of the brightest young talents in Liverpool’s academy.”
Stealing him away from their bitter rivals will only add to the deal for the United faithful, who could have yet another talented teenager to get behind in their attempts for Premier League glory.
His move to Manchester could see him compete with Lacey for a role in Carrick’s squad, whilst moving to the club to soften the blow of the 15-year-old’s potential move.