Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes has shared an anecdote about coaching teammate Shea Lacey when the young prospect was part of the club's Under-14 side, during his own pursuit of UEFA B coaching badges. Fernandes completed his badges through United alongside Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic.
"His technical ability was never in doubt," Fernandes said of Lacey in an interview with the Men in Blazers Media Network. "I often joke with him because I coached him when I was taking my coaching badges, and I remember he was in the U14 team then. So, Juan Mata and I basically coached him for a day. I told him he's much better now than he was at 14. He is much more mature, doing very well."
Fernandes emphasized the importance of treating every training session as a game for aspiring players. He noted Lacey's significant development since last season, highlighting his improved mentality, off-ball movement, and understanding of space.
"I think Shea Lacey came with a completely different mentality this season in terms of movement off the ball," Fernandes added. "I think that's great, and it's what I talked to him about after returning from vacation, because I watched their three games. He plays in the same position as me, which requires a high level of running and emotional intelligence in covering space and assisting teammates in attack, and he has done very well."
Lacey, now 19, made his first-team debut for Manchester United in December against Aston Villa and has been tipped for a successful future at Old Trafford. He appeared as a second-half substitute in the team's recent 2-0 defeat to Hull.
In the same interview, Fernandes, who was recently crowned PFA Player of the Year after a season that included breaking the Premier League assists record, also discussed his adaptation to life in England over the past six and a half years since his January 2020 move from Sporting Lisbon. While he enjoys visiting coffee shops, a habit he has developed since arriving in England, he remains averse to traditional English black tea.
"I still don't drink English black tea; I can't mix water with milk, sorry, and then tea. That's not for me yet," Fernandes stated. He contrasted this with teammate Tom Heaton, who he noted often has a cup of tea. Fernandes expressed openness to other coffee beverages like cappuccinos or lattes.
Mana United is set to face Ipswich at Old Trafford following their loss to Hull. Fernandes had expressed frustration with his team's performance in the Hull match, criticizing them for repeating mistakes from the previous season.