Under-21s boss Adam Lawrence has spoken openly about Lacey ahead of the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup where his side will face Real Madrid this week.
Lawrence revealed Lacey will train with the United first team and only play U21 football to top up his minutes as he slowly works his way into Michael Carrick’s plans this season.
"Shea is quite a unique case. He's always had an elite technical level. He can do things with the ball which are, without getting too carried away, genuinely first-team level.
"But he's been a later developer physically, so players like that need more time and patience.
"Day-to-day, Shea will train with the first team and basically follow their programme, and then be topped up with Under-21 games when he needs to be playing.”
United are not keen on rushing Lacey, a player who has shown immense potential in recent years. Lawrence says his transition will be slow and careful in what has been a positive move so far.
“He’s managing that sensitive transition from the Under-21s into senior football. But for the moment, the first team has him day to day.
“But at the same time, what he’s doing with the first team at the moment is really, really good and beneficial for him.
"We do believe he is a player that can fully transition into the first team eventually.”
United U21s beat Athletic Club, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting at Leigh to reach the knockout rounds for the first time since the 2018/19 season in a clash that Lacey may feature in under Lawrence.