Manchester United’s quiet January window saw its first movement amidst the head coach upheaval, and Shea Lacey was among others to react.
The change in head coach does nothing to change Man Utd’s stance on the transfer window, in that they won’t allow anyone to leave without replacements.
However, the same does not apply to youngsters who are not a regular part of the first team, especially those who came close to leaving in the summer.
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One such youngster has finally seen his future get resolved in January, and many players reacted to his departure, including Shea Lacey, Chido Obi, and Harry Amass.
Sam Mather of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on October 17, 2025
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Sam Mather announces Man Utd exit
Sam Mather came close to leaving Old Trafford in the summer but the move developed very close to the end of the window, which saw him stay put at United.
He contributed to the U21s in the meantime, but at 21, he needed regular first-team football elsewhere, which he’s set to get.
Mather is joining Turkish club Kayserispor with immediate effect, and ahead of his departure, he sent a heartfelt message to United, where he has been since the age of six.
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He said on his Instagram: “After 14 years, my time at Man Utd has come to an end. I would like to thank all the staff and players who have helped me become the person and player I am today. I will always be grateful for my time here and wish the club all the best. On a personal note, it’s time for me to move forward, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Mather was once tipped to break through at United after traveling with the first team for pre-season, but attacking reinforcements in the recent window pushed him further down the pecking order.
He’s making a big bet on himself by leaving England for a Turkish club, but he’ll be regarded as an example of bravery if he makes it at Kayserispor.
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His teammates are certainly backing him to do it.
Shea Lacey and more react to Mather’s exit
Having been at the club since the age of six, Mather has played with and looked up to some of the brightest talents in the academy.
That strength of connections was visible as a flood of players, past and present, sent their goodbyes to Mather on his Instagram.
Shea Lacey wrote, “Good luck my brother all the best,” with a heart and fist emoji, while Chido Obi said, “My brother,” with a heart and clapping emoji.
Harry Amass lauded Mather, writing, “Good luck brother, you’re the GOAT,” with a goat and a heart emoji.
Amir Ibragimov, Samuel Lusale, Louis Jackson, Joe Hugill, Jack Fletcher, Radek Vitek, Ely Harrison, Jack Kingdon, and Toby Collyer were among others to wish Mather good luck upon his exit.
If everything goes to plan, Mather’s first game for his new club will be on January 19 when Kayserispor take on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s former team Besiktas away from home.
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