Republic of Ireland eye Man United teenager Lacey after Champions League assist

Republic of Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has publicly acknowledged interest in Manchester United teenager Shea Lacey, setting up a potential international tug-of-war with England over the 19-year-old winger.

Lacey, who qualifies for Ireland through his father, has been on the radar of the Irish Football Association after a series of eye-catching performances for United this season. The winger has made six appearances and delivered the assist for Matheus Cunha’s winner in United’s 3-2 Champions League comeback against Roma on Tuesday.

When asked whether he had been in contact with Lacey about switching allegiance, Hallgrimsson stopped short of confirming direct talks but left little doubt about his interest. “That would be for other guys in the association, but it was interesting looking at his Irish connection,” the Iceland-born coach said.

Lacey has represented England at every youth level from under-15 to under-20 and is expected to be named in the England under-20 squad for upcoming Elite League fixtures against Czechia and Portugal during the forthcoming international break. Those caps are not senior appearances and therefore do not permanently bind him to England, meaning the door to an Ireland switch remains open.

United’s head coach Michael Carrick was effusive in his praise of Lacey following the Roma win, highlighting both the quality of his attacking contribution and his defensive discipline when the team needed it.

“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 added that Lacey’s willingness to track back and defend as a makeshift right-back was equally impressive. “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.”

Lacey will have another opportunity to press his case when United host Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League, their final fixture before the international break.