Shea Lacey vs Amad - Michael Carrick's next Man United decision is staring him in the face

Carrick must choose between Lacey and Amad for the right wing against Aston Villa after the teenager's assist in the Roma win.

Michael Carrick faces a selection dilemma ahead of Manchester United's clash with Aston Villa on Sunday. Shea Lacey came off the bench against Roma on Tuesday and made an immediate impact, providing an assist for Matheus Cunha's winning goal in just 15 minutes of play. The 19-year-old winger completed all seven of his passes, attempted four dribbles with a 75% success rate, and showed composure in both attacking and defensive duties.

Amad has been Carrick's first-choice right-winger but struggled against Roma, failing to create a single chance and registering just 0.06 xG from 41 touches. While he impressed at Chelsea with four shots and positive pressing, his finishing let him down. Lacey's performance has given Carrick a genuine alternative, and the manager praised the teenager's ability, fearlessness and "glint in his eye" after the match.

With Carrick's job security dependent on results against Villa, the decision carries extra weight. The manager must weigh Amad's experience—104 games for United—against Lacey's recent impact and the momentum of a breakthrough performance.