Michael Carrick told 'you can't not play him' as demand made of new Man United boss

EXCLUSIVE: New Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been told to keep the faith in one emerging star at Old Trafford despite his recent disciplinary setback

Former Manchester United man Clayton Blackmore believes academy talent Shea Lacey has to be given more opportunities in the first team. This comes following reports the club's board have no intention to invest in new signings this month.

Lacey, 18, earned his senior debut against Aston Villa last month and has shown promise in his brief cameos. However, the teenager endured a moment to forget during the recent 2-1 defeat at home to Brighton in the FA Cup when he was sent off for two yellow cards in quick succession.

Michael Carrick is under immense pressure to make the most of United's current crop after replacing Ruben Amorim at the helm. But if the club is cautious about spending in the transfer market, Blackmore believes a rising gem like Lacey could prove valuable in the coming months.

"I like the lad Lacey," he told MEN Sport, via Stake. "His family are Liverpool fans. He’s from Liverpool. He’s the only one in the family who supports United. So that’s got to be an edge for him. I’m looking forward to seeing him playing more.

"That’s the good thing [Darren] Fletcher has done. He’s brought him in and we were thinking, ‘Wow, where’s he been? Why are you not playing him?’ You can’t not play him because of his age. It’s like Sir Matt Busby said, 'If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.'"

Lacey, who will be suspended for Saturday's derby against Manchester City, was just 15 when he earned his debut for United's under-18s, and he's ahead of schedule again in making his mark for the first team. Despite the inevitable gloom following his dismissal against Brighton, he's already shown plenty for fans to get excited about.

If anything, there's even a silver lining to glean from his red card in the FA Cup. That being an intense desire to fight for the club cause, something other players have been accused of lacking all too often in recent years.

There's also the fact Lacey fronted up in response to the incident and wrote on social media: "I want to apologise to all of my teammates staff and the fans. I let everybody down tonight I shouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me I will do everything I can to make this right."

Those words demonstrate a sense of accountability way beyond his years, another trait that has sometimes been absent in the squad. And Blackmore, who made 241 appearances for United and won both the Premier League and FA Cup, likes what he's seen thus far, with Fletcher using his brief time in charge of the club to put Lacey on everyone's map.

The player faces a difficult battle for prominence in his preferred right wing role under Carrick. Bryan Mbeumo, who has returned to the squad following his Africa Cup of Nations commitments, is the clear choice in that position, with Amad behind him.

However, Lacey has also shown promise in more central positions and boasts a dangerous left foot. This was on display during the recent 2-2 draw against Burnley, where he unleashed a beautifully whipped effort from the edge of the box that cannoned off Martin Dubravka's crossbar.

Carrick may harbour desires that his academy will produce similarly special talents in central midfield or in the full-back areas if United are intent on not spending for the remainder of the season. But Lacey has displayed enough in recent weeks to suggest he's got what it takes to make a first-team impact in the months to come.