This season, the 18-year-old has been on the United bench for eight games, having made bright cameos against Villa, Burnley and Brighton in the FA Cup. Despite being shown a yellow card against Brighton, but was applauded off the pitch by fans.
Lacey, who is highly regarded within the club, is knocking the hardest to get a regular opportunity under Carrick, as reported by the Manchester Evening News. However, with the first‑team squad now in good shape fitness‑wise, it isn’t a simple task to fit him in.
Lacey may still find himself on the bench in the coming weeks, but Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko already fill four players competing for just three attacking positions.
In midfield, however, an injury could open the door sooner for Moorhouse, who trained with the first team this week ahead of the Spurs match after returning from his loan at Leyton Orient on deadline day.
Since replacing caretaker Darren Fletcher, Carrick has shown a clear commitment to promoting youth and strengthening his connection with the club’s academy.
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He has recalled youngsters such as Habeeb Ogunneye from loan and brought Joe Hugill back into first‑team training.
Carrick has also become a regular presence at youth matches, something Amorim was criticised for neglecting, sending a clear message to academy players that there is a genuine pathway to the senior squad.
“This club needs young players coming through and being the foundation, to understand what it means,” Carrick perviously said.
“It’s something we need to grasp and keep building on.”
United, who have been quiet in the January transfer window, are aiming to secure a European place. The Reds remain unbeaten under Carrick, having won all three of their Premier League games against Manchester City, Arsenal and Fulham.
Read more on Manchester Evening News
