Manchester United have confirmed that Shea Lacey has made club history with his superb performance in the comeback against AS Roma.
Lacey made a superb impact as United came back from behind to beat Roma in the Champions League at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
United faced the prospect of a fourth consecutive loss after a disastrous opening left them two goals down inside 17 minutes. Matias Soule struck first, before Donyell Malen converted a penalty to stun Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes set the stage for a comeback with his penalty, before Matheus Cunha latched onto a Leonardo Balerdi error to equalise and subsequently smashed home the winner at the near post.
It was the 19-year-old Lacey who made the winner, the academy graduate coming on for Amad Diallo in the 75th minute and supplying the crucial assist on only his 10th senior appearance.
Lacey produced an electric display , immediately setting the stage upon his introduction by beating his man and sending a dangerous cross into the box. His pass to Cunha was also a thing of beauty, attracting ample praise from the Brazilian , who embraced and kissed him on the pitch.
United note that Lacey's assist was even more significant as it marked a historic milestone.
By assisting Cunha's winner against Roma, the teenager has become United's youngest-ever player to register an assist in the Champions League.
Lacey has achieved this feat at 19 years and 203 days.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, Carrick was full of praise for Lacey. The United head coach told reporters, "Not going too over the top, but at the same time absolutely delighted for Shea."
"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. He's got that little glint in his eye, he plays with a bit of mischief, if you like, so he's always looking to have that."
"But I was just as happy seeing him defending as a right-back when we needed that in the moments when as a rounded footballer, you've got to be able to do that. So I was just as pleased seeing him do that in the defensive side, and seeing younger players take the opportunity."
"I think he gave everybody a bit of a lift coming on the pitch, and it was fantastic to see, and he made the most of what he had tonight."
United are next in action on Sunday when they host Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
