Manchester United youngsters Shea Lacey and Tyler Fredricson have returned to first-team training under Michael Carrick following their recovery from respective injuries. Lacey was last named in a senior squad against Fulham last month. The gifted teenager missed several weeks owing to a minor injury, but has now resumed training at Carrington. Fredricson has likewise rejoined senior training after overcoming injury.

Fredricson was set to depart on loan during the January transfer window before sustaining an injury. Last week, the youngster featured for 45 minutes whilst captaining the under-21s against Southampton.

Anticipation grew surrounding Lacey’s prospects following his debut under Ruben Amorim, who granted the youngster his maiden senior outing against Aston Villa in December.

Darren Fletcher offered Lacey his subsequent appearance at Turf Moor, where he rattled the crossbar during the final five minutes of the match.

Lacey secured another substitute appearance against Brighton in the FA Cup, but collected a second yellow card in the dying stages.

Fletcher commended Lacey when speaking after the Burnley draw, saying: “I said to him, stay wide and go and do what you do, and he did that. I know he’s gonna make an impact.

“I know he’s creative. He’s got goals in him. He’s exciting, he’s direct, he’s fearless, and he hit the crossbar, and he had another shot, so he had a really bright game.

“I’m pleased for him because there have been a lot of injuries in recent years, and he’s not really got going with his momentum, but we know the talent that he’s got, and he’ll be a big part of Manchester United‘s future. I’ve no doubts about that.”

In recent years, clips of Lacey performing for United’s academy have spread widely across social media platforms, with such footage attracting thousands of views.

Lacey hails from Merseyside and was raised in a household of Liverpool supporters, yet he supports United and spent his formative years admiring multiple Ballon d’Or recipient Lionel Messi.

Whilst he has primarily operated on the right flank, academy coaches enjoy testing youngsters in various positions throughout the forward line, and Lacey possesses considerable versatility.