Lacey signed a scholarship deal at the club, with an agreement in principle to sign professional terms when he turns 17 and his birthday is now just around the corner.
He is one of the most exciting talents in United’s academy and his style has already drawn comparisons to Phil Foden. He’s been limited to just eight appearances this season due to an injury but it’s understood he’s set to return before the end of the campaign.
There was interest in Lacey from United’s major rivals in England as well as a host of top European sides before he signed his scholarship deal in August 2023.
Lacey’s professional contract will be announced after he turns 17 on April 14, and the deal is the reward for his excellent and continued progression in the youth set-up.
The youngster was born in Merseyside and comes from a family of Liverpool fans, but Lacey is a United supporter and he grew up idolising multi-Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi.
Lacey played three times in the UEFA Youth League, an Under-19 competition, in the autumn before his injury. His cameo against Galatasaray caught the attention of fans.
With the game at 0-0 and 30 minutes remaining, Lacey was substituted on. He made an immediate impact, coming close to scoring with a curling free-kick from around 25 yards and he produced an assist for the final goal, which was scored by Omari Forson, in a 3-0 victory.
In the last few years, footage of Lacey playing for United’s academy has gone viral on social media and such clips have amassed thousands of views.
Lacey will be the latest academy talent to sign his first professional deal at the club following the confirmation that defender Harry Amass had been given a contract.
Amass, 17, Bendito Mantato, 16, and Amir Ibragimov, 15, have been given a taste of senior training during Erik ten Hag’s reign and Lacey is expected to receive that opportunity in due course.
