Manchester United receive injury boost with exciting youngster set to return

Manchester United's exciting youngster Shea Lacey could return to action after the international break.

The Manchester Evening News understands Lacey has been sidelined with a muscle injury but has made progress in his recovery and will be in contention to play after the break.

Lacey is in contention to feature for the Under-18s against Newcastle on Saturday, September 14 and it's thought he will be carefully handled and eased back into action.

Followers of the academy are looking forward to Lacey's return, but United will not rush the youngster, who last made an appearance in April, back from his injury.

ALSO READ: United set to announce three exciting academy signings

ALSO READ: Why a 35-year-old who last played for Doncaster has joined United

The winger is one of the most highly-regarded talents in the academy and signed a professional contract with United immediately after celebrating his 17th birthday.

Only the most highly-rated prospects in the academy are given professional terms when they turn 17 - the age when you can sign a pro deal - and Lacey has long been considered one of the leading lights in his age group, which is why he was tied down at the earliest opportunity.

There are high hopes at United for Lacey and he took part in first-team training at Carrington last season. In the last few years, footage of the creative youngster playing for United's academy has gone viral on social media and such clips have amassed thousands of views.

Lacey was born in Merseyside and comes from a family of Liverpool fans, but he's a United supporter and grew up idolising multi-Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.

He has predominately played on the right wing, but coaches in the academy like to challenge youngsters in