Breaking: Manchester United fans welcomed Phil Foden today to Old Trafford in a club record deal

Breaking: Manchester United fans welcomed Phil Foden today to Old Trafford in a club record deal

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Man Utd’s very own Phil Foden can fill the void if worst nightmare comes true

Man Utd may have their own Phil Foden in the works as Erik ten Hag braces for a big blow.

By Alex Turk

Comment section

Erik ten Hag needs to prove his worth for Man Utd between now and end of season

Manchester United will hope to keep Alejandro Garnacho at the club for at least a few more years as the inevitable speculation linking him to Real Madrid ramps up. The Madrid-born winger has established himself as a regular starter at Old Trafford, making the right-wing spot his own this season.

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United signed Garnacho for just £100,000 from Atletico Madrid in October 2020. Despite coming from the Spanish city, he has pledged his international allegiance to Argentina.

Now 19, his rise to prominence has drawn parallels to Cristiano Ronaldo, who sealed a dream transfer to Real for a then-world-record £80million in 2009.

Garnacho has started 25 consecutive games, becoming a crucial part of Erik ten Hag’s plans and leapfrogging £86m signing Antony in the pecking order.

However, the murmurs have begun. According to TyC Sports, the United No. 17 dreams of moving to the Santiago Bernabeu at some point in his career, following in his idol Ronaldo’s footsteps.

Losing Garnacho at this stage of his development would be a nightmare for United despite the likely mammoth profit on offer after his bargain arrival during the Covid-19 pandemic.

But there could be a natural replacement already brewing on the ever-rolling talent conveyor belt at Carrington – 16-year-old wonderkid Shea Lacey.

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Alejandro Garnacho ‘dreams’ of a Real Madrid move. (Image: Getty)

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Not many youngsters have caused as much of a stir as the England U17 international while in United’s youth ranks. He possesses the talent no words can do justice, and that must be seen to be appreciated.

Injury frustrations have struck Lacey’s 2023/24 season, but he has still produced numerous showreel moments to serve fans’ appetites for the next prodigy to emerge onto the senior scene.

United are working to develop the teenager’s physicality, but he is a left-footed technical wizard. He primarily operates on the right flank, where he can cut inside or take his opponent on the outside.

Lacey’s playstyle has drawn similarities to Manchester City’s own academy golden boy, Phil Foden. He is agile, thrives at close dribbling and boasts a complete passing range.

Lacey signed a scholarship deal at United in August, which included an agreement to pen his first professional contract when he turns 17 next month.

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Shea Lacey has the makings of a superstar. (Image: Getty)

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That will be a major step to becoming one of the latest academy stars to emerge in the first-team picture and potentially replacing Garnacho when the time comes.

Ten Hag has reportedly already held one-to-one meetings with numerous youngsters, including Lacey. He has taken an active approach to the club’s youth ranks and will be well aware of his incredible potential.

Kobbie Mainoo received a small taste of senior football last season before bursting into prominence this term.

It was the same with Garnacho in 2021/22. Lacey could be the next academy talent capable of making a senior spot his own, and it may potentially be Garnacho’s.

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Breaking: Manchester United fans welcomed Phil Foden today to Old Trafford in a club record deal

Breaking: Manchester United fans welcomed Phil Foden today to Old Trafford in a club record deal

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