Carrick promotes Lacey after United's late Roma win

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick signaled a role change for Shea Lacey following the team's 3-2 victory over Roma on Tuesday night. The 19-year-old winger, who had seen limited action in recent weeks, provided the assist for the winning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

United faced a difficult second half after trailing 2-0 at the break. Bruno Fernandes scored from two penalties to narrow the gap before halftime. The momentum shifted when Lacey replaced Amad Diallo with 15 minutes remaining. He pressured Roma's left-back throughout the closing minutes and delivered a pass that allowed Matheus Cunha to strike the decisive goal.

Carrick praised Lacey's impact on the match's energy. The manager noted the player's intensity and desire to perform. “He’s got great ability. That glint in his eyes and he plays with a bit of mischief. He was desperate to do well,” Carrick said. He added that Lacey’s defensive work as a makeshift right-back also contributed to the team's stability.

The win ends a winless run for United that began in September. Carrick acknowledged the frustration of the first half but credited the squad for reversing the situation. “Proud of the players. I think they deserve a lot of credit for pulling through that in a tough situation,” he said. He highlighted the support from the fans, noting that the players felt the crowd's urgency for a positive result.

The manager emphasized the team's positive approach in the second half. He stated that the group stayed focused on creating moments to change the scoreline. The late brace by Cunha secured the points after a period where the team struggled to find rhythm.

Carrick cautioned against overreacting to the result. He described the win as a necessary step for the group. “It’s one win, so we’re not getting too carried away with things, but it was it was an important one for us,” he said. The result gives United a foundation to build upon as they continue their campaign.

Lacey's performance marks a potential shift in his role within the squad. Carrick suggested the winger is ready for more minutes following his cameo. The manager indicated that the player's recent form has met the standards required for increased playing time.