Carrick put his arm around the young talent and singled out Manchester United's new academy star, Foden – his fate will be decided this summer as he aims to challenge for a €40 million winger's spot.

With the World Cup taking place this summer, Manchester United plans to use more youngsters in preseason. While 15-year-old "Mini Messi" Gabriel draws the most attention, 19-year-old academy winger Shea Lacey faces a career-defining summer. He has surpassed the level of youth competition, but if he fails to earn a first-team spot, he might be forced to leave the club.

Lacey is an England U20 international. This season, he recorded 12 goals and 5 assists in just 1,292 minutes across United's youth system – meaning he contributed to a goal every 76 minutes. He also made four first-team appearances and left a strong impression in brief cameos. Notably, during Darren Fletcher's temporary spell in charge, he hit the post with one shot but was also sent off in another match.

In training, Lacey has impressed so much that head coach Carrick holds him in high regard, and the coaching staff is eager to see what the left-footed forward can do in preseason. According to the Manchester Evening News, there is growing belief that if Lacey performs well this summer, he could compete for a first-team role. If not, rumors suggest he may be sent out on loan from United.

In United's final Premier League match against Brighton, Carrick called Lacey off the bench in the 62nd minute and put an arm around his shoulder to encourage him before he entered the pitch. After the game, teammates like Sena Ramen also offered encouragement. The first-team coaching staff at United are well aware of Lacey's ability; his next challenge is to earn more first-team minutes during this summer's preseason.

It is understood that Lacey is in excellent condition, and United staff are fully supporting him in his quest to shine this summer. An academy source told the Manchester Evening News that two or three academy players could officially be promoted to the first team next season, with Lacey among them – he genuinely has the quality to play at that level.

United played very few matches this season, competing in only 40 games across all competitions, so it is no surprise that young academy players did not receive consistent game time. Carrick has promised that next season will be different, as the Red Devils will challenge in all four competitions, giving many young players hope for opportunities.

Carrick wants Lacey to bring competition to the right flank. At the end of this season, €40 million winger Amad Diallo underperformed and only registered an assist against Brighton – his first goal involvement since 2026!

Amad has been called up to the Ivory Coast national team and will feature in the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico this June. His team is in Group E alongside Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao, aiming for a knockout-stage spot. If they progress, Amad will be absent for an extended period, giving Lacey more chances to showcase himself.

There have been rumors that 23-year-old Amad could be sold this summer, with AC Milan and Sunderland closely monitoring his situation. However, United insiders have firmly denied this, emphasizing that Amad is not for sale. According to TEAMtalk, United's hierarchy has laughed off those rumors, reiterating that Amad is part of the club's long-term plans.

Privately, Amad has expressed his enjoyment of playing under Carrick, who has praised his professionalism, energy, and overall positive attitude both on and off the ball. Although Amad's actual performances this season have been unremarkable – just 2 goals and 4 assists in 32 Premier League appearances – United, for now, still maintain their faith in him.