Shea Lacey follows Marcus Rashford record with Manchester United goal against Brighton

Shea Lacey marked his first Manchester United start with an early goal against Brighton in the third round of the English League Cup.

The teenager struck in the eighth minute after finding space inside the penalty area. He controlled the opportunity before firing a powerful left-footed shot into the Brighton net to give United an early lead.

The goal was particularly significant for Lacey, who had been handed the chance to start for Manchester United’s first team in an important League Cup test.

According to football statistics provider Opta, Lacey became the first teenage player since Marcus Rashford to score in his first start for Manchester United.

Rashford achieved the same feat at the age of 18 against Midtjylland in February 2016.

Lacey’s goal places him alongside Rashford in a notable Manchester United record, after he took advantage of his opportunity to make an immediate impression. The youngster is continuing his efforts to establish himself in the first team.

The forward will hope his strike against Brighton leads to further opportunities for Manchester United in the coming weeks, while the club look to continue their League Cup campaign and reach the next round.