It's time: Michael Carrick must unleash Shea Lacey vs Aston Villa after sublime Champions League cameo
Manchester United ended a nine-match winless streak with a memorable 3-2 comeback victory over Roma in the Champions League last night. The Red Devils were 2-0 down after just 17 minutes at Old Trafford, and things looked gloomy heading into half-time for manager Michael Carrick.
United staged a fantastic comeback after the interval. Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot, followed by a late brace from Matheus Cunha.
Cunha capitalised on a defensive error to equalise in the 83rd minute before bagging the winner three minutes later with a powerful strike from a tight angle. The Brazilian, unfortunately, did not receive the man of the match.
He was booked for taking his shirt off during the celebration for the winner, and he soon received his marching orders with a second yellow card for a reckless foul. Aside from Cunha, Fernandes and Shea Lacey were particularly good in the second half.
The latter came on as a substitute for Amad Diallo and made a big impact. Amad had another disappointing outing from the right wing.
He did not provide a single key pass and was guilty of losing possession on nine occasions on the night. Lacey was eventually handed the chance to influence the game in the 75th minute, and the youngster definitely fared better, providing the assist for Cunha's fine winner.
The 19-year-old, who received a7/10 ratingfrom Goal. com, also won more dribbles than Amad (three to two) and almost as many duels (four to five) despite playing for just over 20 minutes.
Lacey also completed 100 percent of his passes, and in our opinion, manager Michael Carrick must unleash the teenager on the right wing against Aston Villa on Sunday. Despite last night's win, Carrick will be under pressure for the weekend's Premier League game, considering United are just goal difference adrift of the drop zone (seven points).
They desperately need to return to winning ways in the league too, and Carrick must make a shrewd decision and hand Lacey his full Premier League debut against the Villans at home. It appears a no-brainer decision to pick Lacey over Amad, and Carrick has no excuses.