Shea Lacey showed his qualities again as Manchester United booked a Premier League 2 play-off quarter-final berth by beating Sunderland at Leigh Sports Village.

Lacey made his first-team debut under Ruben Amorim but has not featured since he was sent off in the FA Cup defeat by Brighton in January. He was on the bench for United's last two games against Leeds and Chelsea.

His presence in Adam Lawrence's starting line-up, along with Darren Fletcher's twins, Tyler and Jack, suggests none of them will have a meaningful involvement in tomorrow night's Premier League clash with Brentford.

However, the England Under-20 international again showed why he is one of the stars of United's academy.

In the first-half, Lacey produced a phenomenal piece of skill to take a cross field pass down with the outside of his left foot without breaking stride. The Liverpool-born wide-man also delivered a 60-yard pass across the pitch that landed perfectly for Victor Musa.

After the interval, Lacey curled a shot wide after a trademark cut inside from the right wing. He had more success just before the hour when Tyler Fletcher won possession back inside the Sunderland half.

Lacey again cut inside before sending a precise low shot into the bottom corner.

United finished second in PL2 to earn a seeding for today's game.

Chido Obi put them in front when he applied a near finish to Jack Moorhouse's through ball. Jack Fletcher doubled their lead when he steered home the rebound after Moorhouse's shot had been blocked.

Felix Scott pulled one back for Sunderland before the break and Jack Whittaker reduced the arrears again with 18 minutes left but it was the home side who reached the last eight.