Manchester United is gearing up for the USA leg of their pre-season tour, buoyed by an away victory against Rangers in their second pre-season match. This phase has been crucial for the team as it gradually regains its full roster, with more players expected to join the tour. During this period, fringe players and youngsters have had the opportunity to impress and stake their claim for a spot in the first team.
Among the standout performers is Amad, who, despite being on the fringes of the first team and not a regular starter, has put in commendable performances. His displays have created a selection dilemma for manager Erik ten Hag, as Amad has shown that he is ready to compete for a starting position. Additionally, young talents like Toby Collyer have emerged, showcasing their potential and making a significant impact.
Toby Collyer, a defensive midfielder, has been highly regarded as the next standout star from United’s academy. His impressive performances have only reinforced these expectations. Collyer logged two consecutive 45-minute stints against Rangers, addressing one of ten Hag’s significant concerns from the previous season. His consistent and disciplined performances in his role have earned him the trust of the manager, who named him captain for the second half against Rosenborg. This trust was further evident in the match against Rangers, where Collyer was included in the starting XI, predominantly composed of first-team players.
In both fixtures, Collyer demonstrated his prowess as a ball-winning midfielder. Positioned at the base of the midfield, he maintained a simple yet effective approach, sweeping up in front of the defense. Against Rosenborg, under immense pressure, Collyer remained disciplined, repeatedly intercepting the ball from opponents.
The dynamic shifted against Rangers, with United enjoying more possession. Collyer adapted seamlessly, completing all 18 of his passes and continuing his role as a defensive bulwark. His playing style has begun to remedy a significant issue from last season—United’s tendency to be overrun in midfield during transitions.
Last season, United’s midfield often vanished during crucial moments, allowing opponents to slice through with ease. While Casemiro’s defensive discipline was frequently questioned, the problem appeared structural, as even with Sofyan Amrabat or Christian Eriksen in the lineup, the situation remained dire.
Collyer embodies the type of player United desperately needs during these transitional phases. His positional discipline ensures he remains in the right spot, thwarting counter-attacks by simply staying true to his role. While he may need to contribute more offensively to secure a regular first-team position, his current approach prioritizes function over flair, addressing a critical gap in United’s midfield.
This season presents an ideal opportunity for Collyer to solidify his place in the squad. With United competing in the Europa League, the group stage matches will provide ample rotation chances for Ten Hag. Additionally, early-round fixtures in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup will offer further opportunities until January.
Ten Hag appears to recognize Collyer’s talent and potential. With Casemiro and Eriksen potentially nearing exits and significant interest in Scott McTominay, the pathway is clear for a midfield breakthrough. If United secures the signing of Manuel Ugarte, whose playing style mirrors Collyer’s, the young midfielder will have a valuable mentor to learn from.
Ultimately, it will be up to Collyer to seize these opportunities and establish himself in the first team. He can draw inspiration from Kobbie Mainoo, another youngster making strides in the squad. Manchester United’s pre-season tour in the USA has started on a high note, with a notable away victory against Rangers. This phase has been pivotal for fringe players and youngsters, offering them a platform to showcase their talents and stake a claim for a place in the first team.
One standout performer is Toby Collyer, a defensive midfielder who has caught the eye with his solid performances. Collyer has been instrumental in addressing one of Erik ten Hag’s significant concerns from last season—United’s vulnerability in midfield transitions. His disciplined approach and ball-winning capabilities have made a marked difference, as seen in his impressive stints against Rosenborg and Rangers.
Collyer’s ability to maintain defensive stability and complete crucial passes highlights his potential to be a key player for United. His performances have earned him significant trust from Ten Hag, evident from his captaincy in the second half against Rosenborg and his inclusion in the starting XI against Rangers.
As United gears up for the new season, Collyer’s emergence is timely. With potential exits of midfield stalwarts like Casemiro and Eriksen, and interest in Scott McTominay, Collyer has a clear pathway to establish himself in the squad. The expected signing of Manuel Ugarte could also provide Collyer with a valuable mentor.
The upcoming Europa League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup fixtures will offer Collyer ample opportunities to solidify his place in the team. His disciplined style of play could be the key to resolving United’s midfield issues from last season and ensuring a more robust defensive setup.
Overall, Collyer’s rise is a testament to United’s academy strength and the opportunities available for young talents to shine under Erik ten Hag’s management.