Man Utd prospect Shea Lacey scores 'goal of the season contender' vs Wolves, he's a special talent

Manchester United have got a special talent in their academy ranks and his name is Shea Lacey.

The 15-year-old prospect, who can play anywhere across the forward line, has been compared to a young Phil Foden in recent months after several performances – including his U18 debut against Newcastle – earned praise from fans.

He was one of United's standout performers in last summer's SuperCupNI Junior Champions win against Rangers.

And on Saturday afternoon, the highly-rated England U16 international was the talk of Twitter after he scored a goal of the season contender for their U18s side against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

With 52 minutes played at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground, the in-form Lacey produced a moment of magic to give United a deserved two-goal lead in the West Midlands.

After managing to keep the ball in play, the attacking midfielder played a one-two with his teammate before teeing up on that trusty left boot.

The ball dipped and swerved in mid-air before arrowing past a helpless James Storer in the Wolves goal.

"Oh my goodness me!" the MUTV commentator said after the ball whistled into the back of the net. "Lacey from the edge of the penalty area with a left-footed dipper. That's two goal of the season contenders in two consecutive weekends."

Shea Lacey with a beauty of a strike 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0xfzMGLYfS

— utdreport Academy (@utdreportAcad) January 28, 2023

Travis Binnion's side, who sit in third place after last weekend's 3-2 win over Liverpool, have impressed in recent weeks, with Lacey running the show on numerous occasions.

Of course, it's early days for the youngster, who has been tipped as one of United's biggest academy prospects.

But fans are excited by what they're seeing. One commented on the above clip, saying: "Lovely player to watch. Reminds me of Phil Foden how moves the ball and carries it."

A second wrote: "He's been on wonderkid radars for a while, but now it's time to start talking about him. What a player."

A third said: "Lacey and Ibragimov are two of best United talents I've seen in recent years at the U15 age range. Really hope they both develop (at United) and become the top prospects they can be."

Shea Lacey really scored from here 🤯 pic.twitter.com/yLJQcQA9eP

— academyarena Utd (@academyarenaUTD) January 28, 2023

Ibrahimov is another youngster who is rated highly amongst United fans and coaches.

Last season, he produced a masterclass against Manchester City to lead the U14s to Albert Phelan Cup glory and since, the 15-year-old has continued to impress.

Ibrahimov, who signed a new deal last year after attracting interest from a host of top European clubs, scored the winner for United's U15s in last week's 3-2 win over the Citizens.

And four days later, the teenager scored the winner for United's U16s in a 1-0 win over Liverpool before walking over to a nearby pitch to help the U18s beat Liverpool... again.

It's safe to say United have some talented players in their youth ranks as they continue to rebuild under Erik ten Hag.