Manchester United’s U18s had been in red-hot form prior to this Saturday when Spurs ended the winning streak.
Adam Lawrence’s side were almost shellshocked as Tottenham raced to a 3-0 lead at half-time – with things getting worse after the break as Spurs made it 4-0.
The game looked lost for Manchester United at this point, but we know better than to count out a Lawrence side which came from behind so many times in 2023/24.
We almost witnessed an incredible comeback, with the United academy side coming from 4-0 behind to see the final scoreline read Spurs 4-3 Manchester United.
Despite defeat, there were some real standout performers for United.
Manchester United U18s lost to Tottenham
It was matchday two of the U18 Premier League Cup and United’s loss means the group has been blown wide open.
Spurs’ collapse from 4-0 ahead is slightly embarrassing though, and the comeback to 4-3 was sparked by the recently returned Shea Lacey. The super-talented 17-year-old only returned from a five-month long absence last weekend, and already he is showing his worth and reminding everyone why he’s been compared with Wayne Rooney.
Lacey scored two goals in the space of two minutes to ignite some life into the United team and give Spurs something to think about. One goal from Lacey in particular – which was assisted by Amir Ibragimov who is in excellent form in his own right – was trademark as he cut inside onto his left, beating the goalkeeper at his near post.
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After this, to nobody’s surprise, Gabriele Biancheri got himself amongst the goals as he has done in every U18 game this season. The 17-year-old Welsh striker is in red-hot form and took his tally for the season to 12 goals (11 for U18s and 1 for U21s).
Biancheri also assisted Lacey’s second for his second assist of the campaign as he continued to place himself in a position which will give Lawrence and Travis Binnion a headache in selection with the arrival of Chido Obi-Martin.
READ: Man Utd under-18s top scorers and assists in 2024/25, all results
Shea Lacey returns with a bang for United
Seeing Lacey back on the pitch and shining will be an incredible sight for United after he has missed the majority of 2024 through injury. United rate Lacey very highly and he was reported last season to be viewed as one player ready to step up.
Only his second game back and brace proves he has not lost an inch of his talent. After this it is likely he quite quickly be promoted to the U21 side as when he plays he is a level above the opposition at the U18 level.
Lacey is one of United’s most talented academy players – if not the most talented – and his ceiling is sky-high which makes his development this season all the more important.