Manchester United might have uncovered a long-term solution for their defensive midfield problems in the form of their young star Toby Collyer.
In their pre-season tour opener, United faced a 1-0 defeat against Rosenborg.
The match highlighted a significant disparity in fitness levels, as Rosenborg outmatched United’s squad, which included only five first-team players.
Despite the loss, two United players stood out: Radek Vitek in goal and Toby Collyer in midfield.
Vitek’s great saves kept United in the match, but all eyes were on Collyer.
Born in Worthing, this midfield player just signed a new deal, making sure he stays with the team.
Coach Erik ten Hag has long seen what Collyer can do, integrating him into the main squad as part of a big plan.
After United won the FA Cup in May, ten Hag hugged Collyer, telling him wins like that will keep on coming if he keeps getting better.
At just 20 years old, Collyer was given the captain’s armband for the second half against Rosenborg, showcasing his maturity and leadership qualities.
Also Read: The Red Devils’ Surprising Stance On Jadon Sancho Revealed
Despite the team’s loss, Collyer’s performance was a beacon of promise.
His ability to hold his own against a fully fit, experienced team suggests he is ready for a breakthrough.
Often overlooked in favor of other young talents like Shea Lacey and Harry Amass, Collyer can use this to his advantage, facing less pressure.
His skillset is comprehensive: tall, physical, two-footed, and composed on the ball, reminiscent of Kobbie Mainoo.
With Casemiro aging, Collyer could be the ideal long-term replacement, potentially saving United significant transfer costs.
While Manuel Ugarte has been mentioned as a big-money signing to fill this role, giving Collyer a fair opportunity this summer could be a more economical and rewarding strategy.
Pre-season games are designed to test and showcase such academy talents.
Also Read: Willy Kambwala’s Move Brings £8m Benefit to Manchester United
Collyer’s performance against Rosenborg, though brief, demonstrated his potential.
There is a strong belief that Collyer will follow in the footsteps of successful young players like Mainoo rather than fading away like Zidane Iqbal.
As the pre-season continues, it’s crucial that Collyer is given more opportunities to prove himself.
With his impressive abilities and recent performance, he could very well be the answer to United’s defensive midfield needs.
