Manchester United have struck a last-minute agreement for Sam Mather and Louis Jackson to move to Tranmere Rovers on loan.
The Manchester Evening News indicated two weeks prior that a transfer for Mather would hinge on his fitness, with a last-minute agreement made for the young player on deadline day.
The 20-year-old has surpassed Under-21 football, and moving to Tranmere on a direct loan for the rest of the season—without any option included—will aid his growth. Jackson has also signed with Tranmere, and the United youth will aim to advance in League Two.
In August, Mather agreed to a fresh three-year deal with the club that will end in the summer of 2027. His prior contract ended in June 2025, and he received new terms following a successful season and participation in the pre-season tour of the United States.
The forward was instrumental for the U21s during the first part of 2023/24, netting six goals in nine matches, and had a stint at Rochdale on a flexi-loan for the latter part of the season.
In 2023, United established a flexi-loan program that enables young players to acquire senior experience while staying engaged in the daily activities at Carrington, and Mather netted two goals in 10 matches for Rochdale, who ended up in mid-table in the National League.
Mather became more involved in United first-team training prior to his loan move to Rochdale and participated in sessions with the senior squad at Carrington again before sustaining his injury.
Mather additionally played in every match during the victorious 2021/22 FA Youth Cup run.