How Erik ten Hag is influencing Manchester United academy as Shea Lacey commits to new contract

Manchester United teenager Shea Lacey has committed his future to the club following serious transfer interest from elsewhere.

The 16-year-old is a highly rated talent in United's academy, and hopes are high for him to have a successful career in the professional game.

Lacey has signed a scholarship deal at the club, with an agreement in principle to sign professional terms when he turns 17 next April.

While there is still a lot of work to be done before Lacey can make it into the first team, his talents are widely recognised, with many top sides in Europe keeping tabs on his development.

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The Manchester Evening News understands Lacey was the subject of interest from United's major rivals in England as well as a host of top European sides.

It is understood Erik ten Hag has already held one-to-one meetings with a number of youngsters, including Lacey, in which he outlined what he expected from them if they were to ever have the chance of making it under him.

Ten Hag has taken on more responsibility in the academy since his appointment, having felt the U21s were 'isolated' before his arrival.

The United manager now takes an active role in deciding which youngsters train with the first team, and there is more cooperation between the different departments, just as he had at Ajax.

Ten Hag has also made it clear that only the very best youngsters will have a chance of making it at the senior level with United, and he has already sanctioned the sale of many academy products.

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