Lacey's two assists rescue Man United from Roma collapse as Cunha seals stunning comeback

Shea Lacey rescued Manchester United from a tenth successive game without a win, coming off the bench to assist both Matheus Cunha goals in a 3-2 comeback victory over Roma at Old Trafford. The 19-year-old academy graduate entered the pitch with United trailing 2-1 and 15 minutes remaining, and promptly changed the course of the match.

Lacey’s double assist drew immediate praise from within the United dressing room. Cunha, who scored both goals, posted on social media: “It shows how much I believe in you.” Harry Maguire added “Top class”, Diogo Dalot wrote “Proud of you kid”, and Bruno Fernandes called him “My kid”.

Among those celebrating Lacey’s performance was Kai Rooney, son of United legend Wayne and a former youth-team team-mate of the teenager. Rooney replied to Lacey’s post — which featured a photo of Cunha kissing him on the head alongside the caption “Until the very end. Thank you Old Trafford” — with the words “the best”, accompanied by heart and praise emojis. It was not the first time Rooney had publicly backed his friend; earlier in the season, after Lacey scored in a 5-0 pre-season win over Rosenborg, Rooney shared a clip of the goal with the caption “My brother”.

Head coach Michael Carrick was equally effusive in his assessment of the youngster’s impact. “Not going too over the top, but at the same time absolutely delighted for Shea,” Carrick said. “We love him to bits. He’s a great young man, he’s desperate to do well, he’s got great ability. So in terms of coming inside and finding the pass, that’s not surprising.”

Carrick also highlighted the defensive discipline Lacey showed when United needed to hold on. “He’s got that little glint in his eye, he plays with a bit of mischief, if you like, so he’s always looking to have that. But I was just as happy seeing him defending as a right-back when we needed that — as a rounded footballer, you’ve got to be able to do that.”

“I think he gave everybody a bit of a lift coming on the pitch, and it was fantastic to see, and he made the most of what he had tonight,” the United manager added.

Lacey has now made six appearances this season. United host Aston Villa on Sunday.