Man Utd drop selection hint: Carrick now poised to unleash 18yo wonderkid vs Arsenal
Manchester United may have quietly dropped a huge selection clue ahead of their high-stakes Premier League showdown with Arsenal.
Man United Under-21s registered a 3-2 win over Sporting CP in the Premier League International Cup yesterday.
Jack Fletcher, Tyler Fletcher and Tyler Fredricson were part of the starting XI.
All three youngsters have featured in recent first-team matchday squads, with Fredricson and Jack Fletcher even earning minutes from the bench.
At senior level, several established names have recently returned to action after brief absences around the turn of the year.
Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire have recovered from their injuries and re-entered contention.
Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui had been unavailable due to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) commitments.
Mbeumo and Diallo returned in time for the Manchester Derby, while Mazraoui is expected to rejoin the group for the trip to north London.
Those returning stars inevitably tighten the matchday squad, squeezing the available bench spots for academy prospects.
United notably omitted Shea Lacey from the Under-21 squad against Sporting CP, a decision that may have been deliberate.
The absence strongly hints that the 18-year-old winger could be in line for senior involvement against Arsenal.
Lacey has already made three first-team appearances under former managers Ruben Amorim and Darren Fletcher.
He impressed with his fearless, high-energy cameos before missing the Manchester Derby through suspension after picking up two yellow cards against Brighton.
With that ban now served, the timing could not be better for his return to the spotlight.
New head coach Michael Carrick has publicly committed to rewarding youth and bravery.
Lacey may now be handed another golden opportunity to showcase his explosive talent and fearless flair.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .