Lacey benefitting for Man Utd first-team exposure - Binnion

Manchester United's head of player development Travis Binnion says it is better for Shea Lacey's development currently that he trains with the first team than play matches at Under-21 level.

The England Under-20 forward has been on the bench for United's most recent Premier League games against Everton and Crystal Palace.

However, he is yet to be given his debut by head coach Ruben Amorim and last night missed out on an appearance for the United Under-21 side in their 4-1 Premier League International Cup defeat by Anderlecht at Leigh.

But even though Matheus Cunha is expected to be available for United's clash with West Ham at Old Trafford on Thursday, Binnion feels Lacey's development is best served by being with Amorim's senior squad.

"Training with first team is massive," Binnion explained in Man Utd's latest edition of 'Inside Carrington'.

"Shea is going through a period now where that is more important than games. The previous month, the games were important to get that body of matches and build his confidence."

United are still discussing which players are likely to spend the second half of the season on loan.

That includes full-back Harry Amass, who has had an excellent stint at Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls are keen to keep Amass but know there is huge interest in the 18-year-old and are uncertain whether he will remain at Hillsborough beyond the end of the month.