Manchester United wonderkid Shea Lacey has penned a first professional contract with the club.
After celebrating his 17th birthday over the weekend, Lacey has agreed a contract with the club and has quite the reputation.
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The teenager has been dubbed by fans as 'the Scouse Lionel Messi', though he is yet to make his senior debut for Man United.
But he has looked formidable at under-18 level and could well be the next starlet to graduate to first-team level.
Erik ten Hag promoted Lacey to first-team training this month while the Dutch coach has utilised the academy this season.
Kobbie Mainoo has quickly asserted himself as a key player at the age of 18 while Alejandro Garnacho has become one of the first names on the teamsheet this season.
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Willy Kambwala started consecutive Premier League matches for the first time at the weekend while Omari Forson made his debut earlier this season.
Lacey has drawn comparisons to Manchester City ace Phil Foden and Messi for his style of play as a tricky left-footed starlet on the right-wing.
He has also become something of a specialist at free-kicks and can play as an attacking midfielder as well as a winger.
Born in Liverpool, Lacey has always been at United's academy with his father said to be keen for him to join due to their brilliant facilities.
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And the youngster has looked a true gem while developing while he caught the attention largely for his performance against Newcastle for the under-18s when he scored twice and grabbed an assist in a 5-1 win at the age of 16.
Players cannot sign professional contracts until they turn 17, which happened on Sunday for Lacey.
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Soon after penning a pro deal, Lacey said on social media: "Proud moment for me and my family signing my first professional contract at this club @ManUtd".
He follows in the footsteps of Jaydan Kamason this season, who is also an academy talent to put pen to paper on a professonal deal for the first time.
Lacey has also impressed at international level and has represented England at under-17 level where he has made five appearances and scored twice.
United took the unusual step of making the announcement about Lacey's contract as they admitted they do not make such deals public.
"While the academy does not normally announce a player’s first professional contract, an exception has been made in this case to celebrate the success of the Emerging Talent Programme in creating opportunities for children across Greater Manchester to develop their talent," a club statement read.
"The Academy’s Emerging Talent Programme delivers a range of projects in the community that ensure as many children as possible have the chance to engage with Manchester United, experience how the academy operates and create incredible memories playing the game."