Shea Lacey twice came close to scoring stunning goals as Man Utd drew 2-2 with Burnley in the Premier League.
Shea Lacey produced a thrilling cameo for United at Burnley
Darren Fletcher has backed Shea Lacey to play a “big part” in Manchester United’s future after the 18-year-old’s impressive cameo at Turf Moor in Fletcher’s first game in charge. The 18-year-old came on with six minutes to go against Burnley and hit the crossbar with one superb strike before sending another shot from range fizzing just wide of the post.
It was Lacey’s second appearance for the first team and the first sign of the talent that has marked him out as one to watch within the academy. Fletcher showed faith in throwing him on as United chased a winner and the youngster almost delivered.
“I said to him, stay wide and go and do what you do, and he did that,” said Fletcher. “I know he’s gonna make an impact. I know he’s creative. He’s got goals in him. He’s exciting, he’s direct, he’s fearless, and he hit the crossbar, and he had another shot, so he had a really bright game.
“I’m pleased for him because there have been a lot of injuries in recent years, and he’s not really got going with his momentum, but we know the talent that he’s got, and he’ll be a big part of Manchester United’s future. I’ve no doubts about that.”
Lacey’s efforts were part of a much better attacking display from United, who had 30 shots against the Clarets. They hit the woodwork twice, had two cleared off the line and saw a Lisandro Martinez goal controversially disallowed for a foul.
Fletcher had told his players to go out and entertain, and he was pleased to see United produce a much better attacking display.
“It was about them to be proactive, to attack, to go and highlight themselves, go and showcase the abilities they have as individuals and as players and be really front-foot, proactive, exciting,” he said. “They were the challenges that we put towards them and they did that.
“I think, as I said, it wasn’t perfect, but there was lots of good things within that. I think if we look back on that game, barring probably the start and then after we went 2-1 up, I think the rest of the game is pretty much total domination and creating lots of chances.
“We probably look at and are disappointed we’ve not scored more goals because we’ve got to score more goals when you create that many chances.”