Manchester United decided to release a number of young players this summer as their contracts came to an end.
The journey from the Manchester United youth ranks to the first team at Old Trafford is not an easy one.
The reason United’s ‘Class of 92’ is so special is that you rarely see so many talents coming through at the same time.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo have made the jump in recent times, but even they have encountered problems at Old Trafford.
Many prospects have to leave United in search of first-team action, and that is the case again this summer.
United decided to release Sam Murray alongside Jack Kingdon and James Nolan, with the trio moving on despite playing important roles in the youth setup.
Manchester United U21s Sam Murray in action v Reading U21s
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sam Murray joins Carlisle United after Manchester United exit
Murray played 12 times in Premier League 2 last season, before making another three appearances in the Premier League 2 playoffs.
United signed Murray from Huddersfield Town in 2017, meaning he spent eight years in the United ranks.
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The 20-year-old has been released this summer and departs United without making a first-team appearance.
Murray hasn’t been forced to wait too long to find a new club, though, having signed a deal with Carlisle United.
Murray has penned a one-year contract with the National League side, who have suffered back-to-back relegations.
Carlisle’s Head of Football Operations Marc Tierney has told Carlisle’s official website that he thinks Murray is a ‘promising’ talent with ‘real potential’ in the years to come.
“We’re excited to welcome a promising left-back to Brunton Park,” said Tierney. “He is a grounded and driven young player, and he adds strong competition to the squad and brings real potential for the future,” he added.
✍️ Carlisle United Football Club are delighted to announce the signing of Sam Murray on a one-year deal.
Read more. ⤵️
— Carlisle United (@officialcufc) June 26, 2025
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Sam Murray joins up with Mark Hughes
The move means Murray will be playing under a United legend in Mark Hughes.
Hughes became Carlisle boss earlier this year, but couldn’t save the club from relegation to the National League.
Hughes has now admitted that he is looking forward to coaching Murray, believing him to be a ‘great young talent’.
“We’re delighted that Sam is joining us, he’s a great young talent who has been at a great club,” said Hughes.
“He’s a left sided player with good pace and good technical ability, and I’m looking forward to working with him,” he added.
Murray will now take his first steps into men’s football and will hope to make a big impact with Carlisle as they push for promotion back to the EFL.