Manchester United youngster Sam Mather could leave on loan in the January transfer window but he has recently recovered from an injury and a move will be dependent on his fitness.

Mather was absent for three straight Under-21 games across November, December and January due to injury and made his return appearance against Aston Villa at the weekend.

The 20-year-old opened the scoring in the first half against Villa and converted a penalty in the 65th minute to seal a 2-1 victory. Mather then started against FC Nordsjaelland at Moss Lane in the Premier League International Cup on Wednesday night and played the full 90 minutes.

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The Manchester Evening News understands a loan move could be agreed for Mather, although he needs time to build up his fitness and United won't send him out unprepared.

In August, Mather signed a new three-year contract with the club that will expire in the summer of 2027. His previous deal expired in June 2025 and he was given fresh terms on the back of a promising season, and being involved on the pre-season tour of the United States.

Last year, Mather was signed by SEG International, the company who represent former United manager Erik ten Hag that became increasingly involved in transfers during his tenure.

The forward was a key player for the U21s in the first half of 2023/24, scoring six goals in nine games, and spent time with Rochdale on a flexi-loan for the second half of the campaign.

United created a flexi-loan system in 2023, which allows youngsters to gain senior experience whilst remaining involved in the day-to-day environment at Carrington, and Mather scored twice in 10 appearances for Rochdale, who finished in mid-table in the National League.

Mather was increasingly present in United first-team training before signing for Rochdale on loan and was involved with the senior squad in sessions at Carrington again before his injury.

Mather also started every game in the successful 2021/22 FA Youth Cup campaign.