It is certain that one Manchester United player will leave during the winter transfer window! Reports reveal that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is open to selling the new rising star, who is suspected of being an insider leak.

Manchester United youth player Sam Mather will leave during the January transfer window. His summer move collapsed due to failed talks with Kayserispor in Turkey, resulting in him wasting six more months within United’s academy system.

According to English media, on the final day of the Turkish summer transfer window, negotiations between Manchester United and Kayserispor reached an advanced stage. The Turkish side was eager to sign Mather permanently, with transfer fees and buy-back clauses agreed upon. Kayserispor also reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with the English winger. United set a deadline for finalizing the deal, pending board approval, but ultimately felt there was insufficient time to complete the transfer.

After the European transfer window closed, Mather made contact with UAE club Al Wahda. Unfortunately, the Middle Eastern club was unwilling to accept Manchester United’s buy-back clause, causing the negotiations to end unsuccessfully. As a result, Mather remained at United, training with the first team but only as a practice player. Over the past six months, he has appeared in just four youth matches, scoring twice in his debut against Norwich.

Now 21, Mather is determined to leave the club where he grew up to officially start his professional career instead of continuing in the reserves. He still attracts interest from clubs in Turkey, Germany, Portugal, Poland, and Greece this winter. Manchester United is willing to facilitate his departure at a low cost or even for free, possibly inserting some sell-on clauses to help him leave quickly, despite his contract running until 2028.

Mather is a left winger but prefers playing as a number 10. He was part of the Manchester United U18 squad that won the FA Youth Cup, alongside teammate Cody Mené. Ironically, many key players from that championship-winning team are now likely to leave United—Garnacho has gone, and Mené is losing his place and considering a transfer.

Reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s management team was previously reluctant to sell Mené but has since softened their stance. They no longer firmly oppose a move and will agree to sell if the price is reasonable. According to Sky Sports UK, if “very good” offers come in during the two transfer windows of 2026, Mené could join another club.

Under manager Amolin, Mené has lost his starting spot and may not even make the bench. The 20-year-old United talent is unhappy and risks missing the upcoming summer’s CONCACAF World Cup. His last appearance for England was in September 2024, and since Thomas Tuchel took over as head coach, he has not been called up, leaving him with limited time to prove himself.

During Manchester United’s 4-4 draw against Bournemouth, Mené’s half-brother Jordan Mené-Haims appeared at Old Trafford wearing a black T-shirt bearing the message “Free Mené,” drawing attention. While many United fans applauded Mené when he came on as a substitute, some suspect he might be one of the insiders leaking tactical changes to the opposition.

Whether this is true remains unknown, but it is said that Mené was aware of his brother’s T-shirt plan and supported it. His former teammate Garnacho also praised the action. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs confirmed that Mené fully understands his brother’s approach and does not oppose trying to pressure the club, as he is eager for more playing time.

It is said that Manchester United’s current stance on Mené is not actively seeking to sell him. Some senior officials still view him as a key player and believe he will improve with age, experience, and tactical adjustments. However, they are also aware of the cases of Martial and Rashford. Unlike at the start of the season, United is no longer completely rejecting any negotiations.

Premier League clubs like Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Mené’s situation closely, but only a few have the financial capacity to pay a permanent transfer fee. Any transfer would require an offer deemed very favorable by Manchester United. Besides sporting reasons, Mené’s relatively low weekly wage means a loan move is less meaningful. Loaning him out would also force the club to find a replacement, potentially increasing costs and disrupting squad balance mid-season.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane criticized Mené, saying he lacks the drive and must change Amolin’s perception through his performances.

“Mené is only 20 years old; what’s wrong with learning from the bench?” Keane said. “Everyone has times when they don’t get chances. Sometimes when the coach doesn’t believe in you, you have to work hard to prove him wrong. Every day is a challenge to earn the manager’s trust. Before the lineup is finalized, I would train like a beast to force the coach to pick me. That’s the mentality needed. Why can’t you sit on the bench for half a season? Coaches can change, and some veterans might leave.”

Regarding Mené’s brother’s actions, Keane said, “His brother is a fool; we shouldn’t waste time on him. Sometimes players have many people like that around them, including family.”