Erik ten Hag has already held private meeting with 16-year-old Shea Lacey, he's destined for the top

Erik ten Hag has conducted one-on-one meetings with several promising players from the Manchester United academy, including 16-year-old prospect Shea Lacey, according to reports.

It appears United have a special talent in their academy ranks with Lacey, who has been compared to a young Phil Foden following a string of impressive performances, including his U18 debut against Newcastle.

The Liverpool-born teenager also made headlines back in April, when he enhanced his reputation as one of the country's most exciting prospects by scoring a world-class finish in a Premier League North clash against Wolves.

Of course, it's still very early days for Lacey but his talents are being noticed by many, including Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.

In fact, towards the end of last season, Ten Hag spoke to the youngster in a private one-on-one meeting, according to The Athletic.

The report suggests Ten Hag engaged in face-to-face chats with several promising talents from the academy, including Jayce Fitzgerald, Harrison Parker and Lacey.

Here, he outlined what is expected from youth players to become a 'fully fledged first-team player'.

United's academy flourished under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, and during his one-on-one meetings, Ten Hag opened up about his vision for the future, which includes a thriving youth set-up.

Ferguson paid regular visits to the academy to watch young players, and would often try and work out what made them tick by speaking to their family.

It's early days, but Shea Lacey is shaping up to be one of the most talented players Carrington has ever produced. This finish should not be possible. pic.twitter.com/T30X0d7wml

— $KM (@yoofnited) April 25, 2023

Lacey's brother, Paddy, recently opened up about Shea's journey after the teenager made his England U16 debut.

“I’m in constant conversation with Man United and you never want it to go to his head, where he starts to dwell on clips and not focus on the next game," he told The Manchester Evening News.

“I think only injuries could stop Shea in his career, with his mindset and ability. When I look at myself at that age, both of my younger brothers are so much more mentally mature than I was. They’re just streets ahead.”