A prominent Manchester United fans' website believes Ethan Galbraith was "unlucky" not to get a loan move during January.
A number of Championship clubs were reportedly monitoring the 19-year-old midfielder.
It was expected that Galbraith would get a temporary move to earn regular first-team football for the rest of the season.
Instead, the Co Antrim star has remained at United where he highly-rated and has been regularly featuring for the club's Under 23s.
The United In Focus website profiled three young players who they believe were unfortunate not to get loan moves during the transfer window, including goalkeeper Nathan Bishop and midfielder Dylan Levitt.
Reflecting on Galbraith being retained, they said: "Ethan Galbraith has been one of United’s best players during the first half of the season. Having already represented Northern Ireland and featured in United’s one pre-season game like Mengi, a loan would have been a good next step for him.
"With Levitt sticking around and strengthening the under-23s, United could have got away with allowing Galbraith to leave on loan.
"As it is, both will be staying, and while that should lead to strong under-23 performances if both play together on a consistent basis, it feels like a missed opportunity not to get at least one of them out on loan."
