Manchester United came from 2-0 down at half-time to beat Roma 3-2 on Tuesday, and Shea Lacey's late contribution led Wayne Rooney to say Michael Carrick should keep him in the side. Lacey came off the bench for the final 15 minutes and his ball into Matheus Cunha set up the winning goal.
How the match turned
Roma scored through Matias Soule and Donyell Malen before half-time. Manchester United then replied through a Bruno Fernandes penalty and two goals from Cunha to complete the comeback.
Rooney on Lacey
Rooney said Carrick should stick with Lacey after his performance off the bench on Tuesday. Speaking on Amazon Prime about Lacey's assist, Rooney said: "That’s a great touch inside and a wonderful pass, and the finish is incredible."
Rooney added: "If you look at it again, you probably think, can he square it and play your teammate in? But for me, it’s all about that first touch, takes the defender out and that pass is incredible."
He also said: "We’ve said about Amad, Amad does some really good things, but it’s that end product, that is what takes you to the next level. And the glimpses of what I’ve seen from Lacey when he has come on, especially this season."
Rooney said: "He has got something in there, that little touch and little pass which United needed to get them over the line in this game."
Carrick's reaction
Carrick praised Lacey after the match. He said: "We love him to bits, you know. He’s a great young man; he’s got great ability and he’s desperate to do well."
Carrick added: "He’s got that little glint in his eye, he plays with a bit of mischief."
He also said: "I was just as happy seeing him defending as a right-back when we needed it. As a rounded footballer you’ve got to be able to do that."
Carrick said: "He gave everybody a bit of a lift coming on the pitch. It was fantastic to see, and he made the most of what he had."
