Man Utd youngster withdraws from squad as shock move to UAE nears following collapse of previous transfer abroad

Youngster Sam Mather was not involved in Manchester United Under-21s’ clash with Brackley Town in the National League Cup on Tuesday as he continues to weigh up a move to the United Arab Emirates. The 21-year-old was a notable absentee as the young Red Devils slipped to a narrow 2-1 defeat against National League side Brackley at St James Park.

Mather keen to test himself at senior level
Mather played no part in United's loss on the road, according to BBC reporter Simon Stone, as he considers a switch to an unnamed UAE Pro League Club. In a separate report from Manchester Evening News, the winger wants to test himself at senior level after outgrowing academy football.

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Late move to Kayserispor collapsed on deadline day
The report also states that Mather, who is yet to make his senior debut at Old Trafford, initially tried to secure a move to a European club. He was close to joining Turkish side Kayserispor on the Super Lig's transfer deadline day, but the move collapsed after United felt there was not enough time to complete the deal.
Mather signed new United contract last summer
Having first joined United's academy in 2010, Mather signed his first professional contract with the club in September 2021. The forward joined Rochdale on loan during the 2023-24 season and scored two goals in 10 appearances for the club. He then signed a new contract with United and was part of their pre-season tour of the United States last summer, before joining Tranmere Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign.

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