Ruben Amorim drafts ‘talented’ Man Utd youngster into first-team training to replace Noussair Mazraoui

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Noussair Mazraoui has been absent from Manchester United training this week, with Ruben Amorim issuing a surprise call-up in his stead.

At Carrington, full focus will be directed toward Saturday midday and the trip to Brentford, where Manchester United haven’t won since 2022.

This fixture hands Ruben Amorim a massive opportunity to finally secure consecutive victories as United head coach, which he has yet to do since taking charge 11 months ago.

The task at hand for the Red Devils has become even tougher with Noussair Mazraoui a doubt for the game, according to The Sun.

Last weekend, Mazraoui was immense for United against Chelsea and would be a big loss for this important outing against the Bees.

With the Moroccan defender a doubt, Amorim has turned to the academy to source a replacement within the training squad.

• READ: Who is Noussair Mazraoui? Meet Manchester United’s new right-back

Sam Mather replaces injured Noussair Mazraoui in training

Mazraoui has had a season that has been dominated by injury thus far. This has seen a number of academy players drafted in to offer a replacement to Amorim in his absence.

Bendito Mantato has been involved on occasion; however, within The Sun’s report, it is claimed that Amorim has actually called a 21-year-old, often forgotten talent named Sam Mather into first-team training.

Mather’s versatility is said to have seen him fill in for Mazraoui on the right wing in training drills, which could have been a huge opportunity for him.

Whether Mazraoui makes the squad for Brentford or not remains to be seen, with Amorim expected to share an update on Friday afternoon during his press conference.

However, one suggestion that Mather is being used by Amorim is that he wasn’t involved in Wednesday’s Premier League Cup win over Athletic Club, in which Gabriele Biancheri scored and assisted.

Mather is unlikely to feature on Saturday though, with his involvement likely to be purely training at the moment.

• READ MORE: Manchester United’s Best Academy Players of All Time

Sam Mather missed out on a permanent transfer move during the summer

For Mather, training within the senior squad could be vital experience as he targets first-team football as his career progresses.

Mather had offers to leave United permanently, both in Turkey and the UAE; however, it looks as though his immediate future remains at Carrington.

These offers were considered, showcasing his desire for senior football after a failed loan last season.

Mather spent the second half of last season on loan at Tranmere, alongside Louis Jackson. During this loan, Mather failed to make an impact despite initial praise from Nigel Adkins, playing just four minutes for the Birkenhead-based outfit.

“We are delighted to sign a pair of young, talented players from a Premier League club, which gives us greater strength in depth for the second half of the season. I look forward to working with them both.”

Hopefully, Mather gets his move in 2026, as at the moment chances of him getting into the United squad look slim.