Man United wonderkid Shea Lacey, 18, is SENT OFF in nightmare 27-minute Old Trafford debut after second yellow card for dissent
Shea Lacey endured an Old Trafford debut to forget as he was sent off after picking up two yellow cards, just 27 minutes after coming off the bench.
Lacey, 18, is highly rated at United and several fans have been clamouring for the young winger to get more gametime amid the team’s struggles and his own promising cameos at Aston Villa and Burnley.
Caretaker boss Darren Fletcher subsequently turned to Lacey after 62 minutes of Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Brighton, with the Red Devils 1-0 down at the time as he replaced Mason Mount.
Lacey had looked bright too, and after Danny Welbeck doubled the visitors’ lead, Benjamin Sesko pulled one back.
However, perhaps over-eager to make an impact, Lacey was then booked for catching Brighton star Brajan Gruda late in the 87th minute, before a second yellow card followed just two minutes later for dissent.
As Seagulls defender Ferdi Kadioglu attempted to shield the ball out for a throw-in, Lacey shoved the Turkish international in the back and was penalised by referee Simon Hooper.
Man United wonderkid Shea Lacey (L) was sent off on his Old Trafford debut against Brighton
Lacey picked up a second yellow card for throwing the ball on the floor after conceding a foul
Lacey, who was bemused by the decision, then picked up the ball and slammed it into the ground in a clear show of dissent, with Hooper left with no choice but to hand out a second yellow card.
Lacey looked devastated by his moment of madness as he ran across the field and straight down the Old Trafford tunnel.
As he neared the edge of the pitch, the 18-year-old, who appeared to be in tears – pulled his shirt over his face, although he was still applauded by the home crowd.
Lacey was handed his debut by Ruben Amorim for the final six minutes of the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa last month after several promising displays for United’s youth teams and multiple appearances on the bench.
He then came on during the 2-2 draw with Burnley on Wednesday and impressed with his fearless attitude.
After hammering the crossbar from outside the area with one effort shortly after coming on, Lacey saw another shot go narrowly wide.
And, speaking post-game, Fletcher had been full of praise for his bright cameo.
Lacey looked devastated by his moment of madness but he was applauded by the home crowd
‘I said to him [Lacey] to stay wide and go and do what you do,’ the former United midfielder told reporters. ‘He did that and stayed wide on the right.
‘I know he’s going to make an impact, he’s creative and has got goals in him. He’s exciting, direct and fearless.
‘He hit the crossbar and had another shot and had a really bright game. I’m pleased for him.
‘He’s had a lot of injuries in recent years and not really got going with his momentum but we know he’s a talent who has got to be a big part of Manchester United’s future, I’ve no doubts about that.’
After Lacey’s dismissal, United couldn’t muster an equaliser as they lost 2-1 to continue their difficult season.
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