31 Aug 2026 16:29:42.
Just watched U21s play Leicester in league match. We won 4-1.
A player I really like, Shea Lacy, scored 2 goals. The first a typical receive ball on right wing, beat player cut in and shoot from outside box, score a terrific goal.
He was replaced on 60 mins by JJ. That makes it fun for the defenders! He scored a super goal late on.
Anyone not really seen JJ play, go on MUFC website later on. There will be highlights, and watch his goal. That boy has a future!!
Talking of Leicester, there has been much talk of us and Arsenal going after their young midfielder, Louis Page, this summer.
He is a big Utd fan, and he was at O. T. yesterday for the match. Will be surprised if we do not announce his signing before close of transfer window.
Finally, it was good to hear a golden oldie on co-commentary. Sammy McIlroy, the last Busby Babe, is fit and well. Remember he scored on his debut at age 17, against City at Maine Road, from a George Best assist.
How the hell was that 1971? Call the police! Somebody has stolen 40 years.
31 Aug 2026 17:52:40
The question is, where will J J play, replace Bruno at 10?
IWOTB,
Yes, I remember 1971 and Sammy Mac being introduced. And, it is 55 years, not 40!
31 Aug 2026 19:25:54
Red Man, yes, I realise that was 55 years ago.
My figure of 40 years was not meant to encapsulate the whole period, but to suggest it seems like 15 years ago the event happened, and to highlight the apparent speed of the passing of time.
As to JJ, when he starts playing on a regular basis, I suspect he will be playing on the wing, to acclimatise to first team football.
His main position is striker/No10. It will be some years before he will be able to fill either of those slots.
It could well be a case that, by the time he is ready to move into a central position, it could well coincide with the departure of Bruno. Remember, this is all some years away.
31 Aug 2026 19:35:47
Lacey should be going out on loan imo. He might get some minutes here, but him playing week in, week out, will improve him more. He's too good for u21 football and it won't teach him much. He's not ready to be starting games here at the minute, but with a good season away to help his development, he could be ready next season.
31 Aug 2026 22:15:23
Yeah, it's a tough one, Danny. In all probability, he is 3rd choice for rw, and probably 4th choice for the no10 role for a starting role.
However, he can be a good impact option off the bench. Being a full squad member and training every day will improve him.
It's possibly one to revise in Jan if he is not getting the minutes he needs in match play.
He is, as you say, a bit of an in-betweener.
If Mbeamo covers for Sesko a lot, it will promote him to 2nd choice on the right, so game time may not be too rare.
If Zirkzee goes and is replaced with a striker, it will not help him at all. I've seen him play left wing too, so he could push Dorgu there, too, as 2nd choice.
01 Sep 2026 00:48:17
I would keep Lacy, and alternate his playing time with the U21s. Give him game time in short bursts to build up his exposure and reduce pressure. The lad is really talented, and showed glimpses of his potential in preseason. If the kids are good enough, play them, but in a controlled, measured way.
01 Sep 2026 04:38:06
Call the police, alright, and report someone stealing Manchester United too, and also a load of fraudsters trying to impersonate elite footballers...