Michael Carrick told to play two Man United academy stars in make-or-break game against Aston Villa

Carrick urged to start academy prospects Shea Lacey and Harry Amass against Aston Villa after impressing in Roma comeback win.

Michael Carrick's Manchester United secured a vital 3-2 comeback victory over Roma on Tuesday, with the manager now facing calls to blood academy talent in Saturday's fixture against Aston Villa.

Shea Lacey, the 19-year-old dubbed 'the Scouse Lionel Messi' by fans, made an eye-catching cameo off the bench with 15 minutes remaining, setting up Matheus Cunha's second goal in his brace. It was only Lacey's third senior outing since his debut under Ruben Amorim in December.

TalkSPORT's Adrian Durham has urged Carrick to start both Lacey and left-back prospect Harry Amass, arguing they could offer more than established players like Diogo Dalot, who had what Durham called "one of the worst first-half performances" he'd seen. Carrick praised Lacey post-match, highlighting his ability, defensive work-rate and the lift he gave the team. The win was Carrick's first in ten matches and keeps him in his job as the board deliberates between Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements.