Who is Sam Murray? Manchester United’s Next Left Back?

Harry Amass may have got the most minutes at left back during Manchester United’s preseason this summer however Sam Murray was also involved in every game. Let’s breakdown the defender’s player profile, key attributes and if he could be in with a shout of breaking through to the first team.

OVERVIEW & KEY DETAILS

▫️Age: 20

▫️Date of birth: 25th Sept 2004

▫️Position: Left Back

▫️Nation: England

Murray is a Manchester United fan and was signed from Huddersfield at U15s level after the Terriers made the decision to close their academy for his age group. In October 2019 Murray made his international debut for England U15s in a 2-1 win vs Norway and the young defender went onto play regularly in United’s youth system. The player made his debut for Manchester United’s U18s in December 2020 at the age of 16.

Murray is a tenacious full back. He loves to get forward, regularly joining the attack, providing width and supporting the forwards. He is very comfortable at inverting, over and underlapping to help create chances and whip crosses into the box.

On the ball Murray is very composed and calm under pressure. He is safe in possession, demonstrating the ability to retain the ball and easily play out from the back when pressed. He is intelligent with a good reading of the game, rarely getting caught out of position and is always happy to help out his centre backs with his recovery pace.

He is confident in his ball carrying ability and will regularly drive forward breaking opposition lines, using good close control.

Whilst he has lots to offer in offence and providing an attacking threat, Murray is a robust defender first and foremost. The full back plays with intensity and he has great pace. He is aggressive and very good in duels, never shying away from a tackle. He is strong in one-on-one situations, sporting a solid frame for his age meaning he often comes out on top in defensive duels. He also shows good leadership and is very vocal in helping organise the back line alongside captain Sonny Aljofree. Murray has also stepped into captain the side on occasions.

Whilst not as technically gifted as Harry Amass in the same position, Murray is a dynamic and hardworking left-back who undoubtedly provides value both defensively and offensively.

FIRST TEAM EXPOSURE

Whilst Murray hasn’t yet played competitively for United, he has already had experience with the first team. Murray first featured for the United senior team back in December 2022 in the winter friendlies arranged during the Qatar World Cup. The full back replaced Brandon Williams as a second half substitute for the games against Cadiz and Real Betis.

Murray was also part of the United U18s team who won the FA Youth Cup in 2022. He played every game on that cup run alongside the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho and even assisted a goal for Rhys Bennett in the final.

Speaking to the Mail on the victory he said “It's magical, not many words can describe it. A lot of us who play are fans. I have supported Manchester United myself so it is special. The fans have got so much passion for the club and if we can replicate that then I'm sure we will go far."

Murray signed his first professional contract in May 2023 and posted on social media, “Happy to sign my first professional contract with Manchester United. A proud moment for me and my family!”

Sam also has a younger brother Max who is an U15s right back on a scholarship agreement at Bradford City’s academy.

Murray was also one of many youth players who took part in the clubs ‘innovative loan scheme.’ The scheme allows players to train and be eligible for selection for United’s U21s team, whilst also playing and gaining valuable experience at non-league clubs in the process.

Murray joined Rochdale (along with teammate Sam Mather) in February 2024. Whilst he never played for the club in the National League, the experience he gained has no doubt helped him develop and set the pathway to help transition to first team football more regularly.

This summer Murray started Manchester United’s first pre-season friendly against Norwegian side Rosenborg in July and featured in all fixtures, playing a total of 184 minutes across the five friendly games.

Whilst on tour of the United States in an interview with MUTV, Murray was asked how it felt to be involved,

"Train well, giving 100% each day is what I think gets you these opportunities. Obviously, the manager would have liked seeing us young lads, and it's a good chance for us all to get in that team."

Murray has been training regularly with the senior team for a few years now as he continues to develop his game. Unfortunately due to an undisclosed injury, he has not featured since the friendly against Liverpool in August 2024. The defender did however recently post on social media hinting a return might not be far away.

The left back position has unfortunately been a thorn in the side of Erik Ten Hag for quite some time with long term injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw. Manchester United didn’t dip into the transfer market for a left back this summer but thankfully they have two very talented options in Amass and Murray for the future of that position.