Manchester United’s youth revolution is going full-tilt ahead with new signings complemented by contract renewals of the existing crop.
United’s current youth crop is the most exciting one in years, as the U18s won three trophies last season, in addition to some already making a first-team impact.
The pre-season fixtures have given fans a glimpse at the talent in the academy as well, with the likes of Toby Collyer, Harry Amass, and Habeeb Ogunneye greatly impressing.
One player who hasn’t been given much of a chance is Sam Mather, but he has received arguably the biggest endorsement of all.
Sam Mather signs new contract
A new contract is the ultimate endorsement for any youth player and many at United recently signed professional deals.
However, Mather’s case is slightly different since he has received a long-term contract from the club, one which ties him to United till 2027, with an option for another year, as Fabrizio Romano reports.
Youth development is never linear so effectively a four-year contract is a huge trust in his abilities shown by the club.
Unpacking the news
Sam Mather plays in the position which is arguably the toughest to break into right now at United, however, his versatility might help him.
He is naturally a right-footed left winger but he can play across the front line, with scattered stints playing as a No. 9 as well.
He has seven goals and assisted 14 in a brilliant U18s side and carried that form in the U21s, where he has scored six and assisted one in just 848 minutes of action. Mather also made 10 appearances for Rochdale last season in the National League, scoring twice in 529 minutes of action in his first taste of senior football.
He is fairly two-footed which adds unpredictability to his game and at 19, has a lot of growing to do. United clearly believe that there is a player there who can contribute to the first team in the coming years.
A long-term contract gives them protection in case they want to evaluate his progress after a loan move or two.
This season, he is likely to start with the U21s, with the challenge being replicating the U18s form after going up a level.
If he manages to do that, then a loan move in January could be in the offing since the first-team picture looks crowded now.
From there, it will be up to him to prove himself in senior football because if he manages to do that, then Erik ten Hag has already shown he is willing to help youngsters skip the pecking order if he deems them deserving.
Committing his future to the club in the long term certainly won’t hurt his prospects!