Manchester United may once again refuse to loan out their new star, depending on whether they make signings in the January transfer window! Sir Jim Ratcliffe dissatisfied with youth development.

Manchester United academy midfielder Cody Mené might face an awkward situation, possibly not starting any Premier League matches by the end of October. This month, the Red Devils have only two games: an away match at Liverpool and a home game against Brighton. It is unlikely that Rúben Amorim will field the 20-year-old Mené, especially in the "Red Rivalry" fixture.

Mené has already grown concerned about his situation. He has given his all, even using the last international break to promote himself through the English media by highlighting his private coaching sessions and changing his home chef. Yet, Amorim still has not started him in any Premier League matches.

As a result, rumors during this international break now suggest that Mené intends to request a transfer in January. In the summer of 2024, he scored the winning goal against Manchester City in the FA Cup final and started for England in the European Championship final. Fans even spoke of his potential to win the Ballon d’Or. But just 15 months later, he has become a substitute at Manchester United, struggling to earn a single start.

Mené’s position is unlikely to change suddenly. He did not play a minute in the first two matches of the season and has only appeared as a substitute in the following five games. Amorim has made it clear that Mené must compete with Bruno Fernandes for a starting spot. As captain, key player, and ironman, Fernandes makes it extremely difficult for Mené to break into the starting lineup.

All signs indicate that when the January transfer window opens, Mené will apply for a second loan move. However, the Manchester Evening News reports that Manchester United may refuse again, just like at the end of the summer window. This could disappoint the player, as Mené wants more playing time to increase his chances of being selected by Tuchel for England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Whether Manchester United bring in a new midfielder in January could determine how they evaluate Mené’s future. If they acquire a strong new signing, letting Mené go might be acceptable since the team will at most compete on two fronts this season and will not face heavy rotation demands.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated: "It’s possible Manchester United will sign a new midfielder in January, depending on market opportunities. I don’t expect any big-name transfers during the winter window, and this is not just Manchester United’s situation. Unless a famous player suddenly requests a move, the window will mostly involve loans or last-minute signings. For example, United negotiated with Gallagher in the final days of the summer window, and a similar scenario might happen in January. If Atletico Madrid agrees to a loan-to-buy deal, United would be interested. But right now, we don’t know yet."

However, Manchester United will definitely overhaul their midfield in 2026, which presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Mené. If Bruno Fernandes leaves, Mené might get more chances to develop. But if the club signs two new midfielders simultaneously, Mené’s role may remain that of a backup. Romano added: "Manchester United want to change their midfield in 2026, either in January or the summer, so that position is crucial."

Mené’s only hope to start soon is if injuries hit the midfield. Moreover, the injured players matter: even if Casemiro and Ugarte are unavailable, Amorim would not pair Mené with Fernandes in midfield, as such a combination would be very fragile, even against lower-table Premier League teams.

Amorim has been labeled by the English media as the first coach to question Mené’s career, but the 40-year-old Portuguese coach’s views might be justified. Many outside observers believe Manchester United’s youth training has problems; players may have talent but lack the right attitude.

Manchester United’s youth-focused owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe recently admitted that the club’s academy has declined compared to the past. Former academy graduates—Giggs, Beckham, Scholes, Nicky Butt, Gary and Phil Neville, and later O’Shea, Wes Brown, Darren Fletcher, and Welbeck—regardless of talent, were all hardworking and willing to fight for the team in any position.

In contrast, recent talents like Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Garnacho, and Mené rely mostly on natural ability, prefer comfort zones, and lack the true Red Devils spirit. Perhaps only a few, like McTominay, have inherited the old tradition.