Man Utd set to hand debut to wonderkid before end of season after he recovers from injury ’caused by growth spurt’

TOP kid Shea Lacey is set to get a game at Manchester United by the end of the season.

Winger Lacey has been training with the first team after an injury caused by a growth spurt and is pencilled in for a debut in the run-in.

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Lacey, who just turned 17, signed a lucrative deal at United this season and chose the club over Liverpool as a pup.

The teenager has penned a five-year contract after agreeing to professional terms with the Red Devils.

His commitment to the club has been hailed by fans, who are excited to see Lacey break into the first-team.

Footage of the winger in youth team action has even seen him dubbed the club's "answer to Lionel Messi" by supporters.

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Lacey has been starring for United's under-18 side, as well as making three appearances in the Uefa Youth League.

Playing predominantly on the right wing, the youngster has scored two goals and added three assists in seven under-18 Premier League appearances this season.

He has yet to make one of Erik ten Hag's matchday squads, though, but has been training with the senior side.

Ten Hag has already handed debuts to fellow teenagers Willy Kambwala, Daniel Gore and Omari Forson this season.

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Pundits verdict on Ten Hag's future

Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future

Jamie Carragher - Sacked

"I don't see how Erik ten Hag stays. It's just performance after performance."

Gary Neville - Stay if he wins the FA Cup

"To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme."

Louis Saha - On the fence

"I don't see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well."

Alan Shearer - Sacked

"I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he's gone."

At international level, Lacey has represented England up to the under-17s, scoring three goals in five caps.

However, he could also go onto represent the Republic of Ireland in the future.