Amorim could tap into Man Utd’s youth academy to replace out-of-form Rashford

Manchester United secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over local rivals Manchester City, with late goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo sealing the win. However, much of the pre-match discussion centered around the surprising omissions of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the squad.

Manager Ruben Amorim stated the pair were left out for “selection reasons” rather than injury or illness, raising questions about Rashford’s future at the club in particular. The England forward has struggled for form this season, scoring just 4 league goals compared to 17 last campaign.

With Rashford’s declining output, United have been linked with strikers like Victor Osimhen. However, the January transfer window poses challenges for big-money moves. This may lead Amorim to look to the academy for fresh attacking options.

One promising prospect is 16-year-old Shea Lacey, who recently signed his first professional contract with United. The versatile forward has impressed at youth level, drawing comparisons to Phil Foden for his technical ability in tight spaces.

While Lacey has been hampered by injury early this season, he showed his potential last year with 2 goals and 3 assists in 7 U18 Premier League appearances. If Rashford does depart Old Trafford, his replacement may already be emerging from the club’s famed academy.

Though it’s still early in Lacey’s development, his eye for goal and creative instincts suggest he could be the next homegrown star to break into United’s first team. Amorim may not need to spend big to find Rashford’s successor if the talented teenager can fulfill his immense promise.