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Manchester United have received a massive boost ahead of their clash with Aston Villa.
On Sunday, 15th March, the Red Devils host Villa at Old Trafford in a clash that could shape the battle for Champions League football.
Reeling from a disappointing defeat to Newcastle, the Old Trafford faithful are desperate for positive news ahead of that game, and it appears they may just have some.
Injury boost
There are encouraging signs on the injury front heading into next week’s fixture.
Mason Mount has been training, and Lisandro Martinez is edging closer to availability, but he may not be the only one returning to the fold.
According to Samuel Luckhurst, Shea Lacey could also be in contention to make the matchday squad for the Villa game.
Lacey back in training
Luckhurst reports: “Shea Lacey is back in first-team training with United after missing around a month through injury.”
Before his injury, the 18-year-old had been steadily forcing his way into the United first team, having caught the eye with a stunning run with the U21s, scoring eight goals in eight Premier League 2 appearances.
And with the senior team, he wasted no time making an impression either, producing lively cameo appearances against Burnley and Aston Villa.
Ferdinand rates Lacey
His fearless nature even drew praise from Rio Ferdinand, who back in January described him as a “breath of fresh air”, a player who operates without “scars and baggage.”
With Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo both enduring a dip in form of late, Lacey could prove a timely option.
And for Michael Carrick, who is crying out for game-changers capable of turning a match on its head, the teenager could be exactly that.
Lacey could be a secret weapon in the United caretaker head coach’s quest to guide United back into Champions League football and, in doing so, make the Old Trafford hot seat his own.
Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images
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