Man Utd seal deal with 'Scouse Messi' as wonderkid signs long-term contract

Manchester United wonderkid Shea Lacey has signed his first professional contract with the club this week, after celebrating his 17th birthday over the weekend.

The teenager, dubbed the Scouse Lionel Messi, has yet to make his senior debut for United. However, after some impressive form at under-18 level, he was invited by Erik ten Hag to join first-team training this month.

United have a rich history of welcoming academy graduates into the first team. Just this season, teenagers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have earned significant game time, while 19-year-olds WIlly Kambwala and Omari Forson have made made Premier League debuts.

An England youth international, Lacey has put in some impressive performances for the under-18s this term. The highlight came in September, with two goals and an assist in a 5-1 win over Newcastle, and fans will be keeping a close eye on what's next for him.

Lacey's 17th birthday on Sunday had been long awaited at United and became the day on which he signed professional terms. He announced on Monday night: "Proud moment for me and my family signing my first professional contract at this club @ManUtd".

Lacey can operate all across the front-line. However, the left-footed starlet tends to operate from the right, prompting both the Messi nickname and comparisons with Phil Foden's early days in the blue half of Manchester.

The development of Garnacho and Mainoo has demonstrated manager Erik ten Hag's willingness to trust in youth - something which Lacey will hope to benefit from. The pair have played a combined 48 times in the league this season, with winger Garnacho scoring seven goals and central midfielder Mainoo contributing two of his own.

Lacey isn't the first academy talent to sign his