This season has been frustrating for one Manchester United academy player who hasn’t played a single minute of football since October, but his exit in January now looks likely.
Ruben Amorim’s squad has been fairly settled all season long, which has meant academy integration has been very limited, with Shea Lacey on the bench being the highlight.
Manchester United have however had some youngsters regularly featuring in training. This has included Amorim bringing JJ Gabriel into the first team, despite having no intention of debuting him soon, given that he is just 15.
WHO is the most UNDERRATED academy talent at Manchester United right now? 🤔🔥
JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey are obviously exciting but who else are you excited by?
Amir Ibragimov leads team talk for Manchester United U18s.
Photo by Manchester United/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
However, there has been another academy player in first-team training for long periods of this season to date, but he won’t be in Amorim’s plans.
Now, his exit is being discussed.
Sam Mather with Manuel Ugarte in Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sam Mather set to leave Manchester United in 2026
This season, Sam Mather has clearly been an odd man out at United. After Mather’s summer exit plans fell through, he has made a handful of U21 appearances with two assists, but he has been absent since the end of October.
In the summer, Mather was wanted by European sides, with his game thought to be better suited to playing abroad. Now, talks are underway for his likely exit in January.
WHAT would be your dream January transfer window for Manchester United?💰🔥
Manager Ruben Amorim arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park in 2025 in London, England.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
👇 Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say
More United News
It is according to the Manchester Evening News that Mather is now set to leave the club in January.
Mather has attracted interest from clubs in several countries, including Turkey, Germany and Greece, while United are prepared to sanction the sale.
United are also willing to make some concessions in order to allow Mather to depart as soon as possible next month, with his career in mind and surely the memory of how his summer deal was left too late and fell apart.
Sam Mather once really impressed Bruno Fernandes
While not thought to be considered for a first-team debut, Mather has gained plenty of experience at United this season while training with the senior side.
One instance in particular will be memorable for Mather, when he earned “personal praise” from Bruno Fernandes.
Mather scored a great training goal to impress Fernandes, with MUTV’s Adam Marshall explaining that the youngster had connected sweetly with his shot as it thundered into the bottom corner.
There is clear talent from Mather, but it is time he found a new club to kick-start his career on, given he is now 21 and needs to be playing professional football weekly.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox