Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey signs first professional contract

Manchester United youngster Shea Lacey has signed his first professional contract.

Last month, the Manchester Evening News confirmed Lacey would sign his professional deal once he celebrated his 17th birthday and he's now officially put pen to paper.

Only the most highly-regarded 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 explains why he's been tied down at the first opportunity.

There are high hopes at United for Lacey and he recently took part in first-team training at Carrington following his return from an injury that saw him sidelined for six months.

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It's understood that injury was the first of Lacey's blossoming career and his return to fitness should allow him to contribute to the Under-18s at a crucial stage of the season.

After a brilliant campaign, the U18s are set to win their league and have the opportunity to win a trophy when they take on Manchester City on April 23 at Leigh Sports Village.

Lacey is expected to play a prominent role as the U18s look to seal the league title in the coming weeks and he's set to represent the Under-21s regularly in 2024/25.

In the last few years, footage of Lacey 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