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Michael Carrick could save his job by axing new Man United favourite for Shea Lacey
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- Michael Carrick could save his job by axing new Man United favourite for Shea Lacey
Shea Lacey could be the energetic and determined forward Michael Carrick needs to turn around his Manchester United fortunes.
The future of the Englishman is under threat following a string of poor results this season, although a 3-2 win against Roma has taken off some heat.
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Nonetheless, that victory will only be a temporary measure unless it is used as a jumping-off point to turn the season around.
Carrick's team selections have caused plenty of controversy over recent weeks, with poor performers rarely dropped to the bench.
And against Roma, the same situation unfolded, with United only turning things around after substitutions were made.
With Lacey being a game-changing substitute from Carrick.
Why Shea Lacey has done enough to earn Manchester United starting spot
Lacey has been patiently waiting for his time in the Manchester United first-team squad.
As per FotMob , in the Premier League this season he has just two appearances, which equate to a total of 22 minutes.
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However, when he has played, he has shown glimpses of the determination and desire that every Manchester United player should have.
And truthfully, that has been lacking this season across the squad.
When he came off the bench against AS Roma, his impact was monumental.
He competed with zero fear and showed plenty of courage to try and turn things around for his side.
In the game, he completed three out of four attempted dribbles, with only Matheus Cunha attempting more throughout the whole game.
Furthermore, he completed 100 per cent of his passes, and won four out of five of his ground duels.
Most importantly, Lacey contributed to the winning goal with a perfectly drilled pass into Cunha to net the third goal.
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That impact cannot go unnoticed, and he must be in the starting XI against Aston Villa this weekend.
Bruno Fernandes clash and Matheus Cunha protest role: Four things you missed from Man United vs Roma Michael Carrick must brutally drop Amad Diallo for Lacey
When it comes to who should come out of the United team, that seems obvious.
Amad Diallo has struggled to have a meaningful impact, with zero goals across all competitions this season.
The Ivorian has emerged as a somewhat recent favourite for Carrick, as he has started four of the last five games.
But now it is time for him to make way, with Lacey emerging as a much better candidate for the Red Devils.
If Lacey can continue to show that infectious energy, that can seep into the rest of the team, and ultimately save Carrick's job.
