Manchester United may already have a player capable of solving their midfield issues in the shape of Toby Collyer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to make his mark at Old Trafford this summer, orchestrating a major rebuild of his ranks in the hope of closing his side’s gap on the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Red Devils have already made two marquee signings recently, with Joshua Zirkzee joining the club from Bologna and Leny Yoro snubbing Real Madrid in favour of penning a five-year deal at the Theatre of Dreams.
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United’s spending spree is expected to continue over the coming weeks, though they may not need to fork out significant amounts of reshaping their midfield as Erik ten Hag may have already unearthed his side’s next top talent.
Collyer has featured in the Red Devils’ last two pre-season matches, against Rosenberg and Rangers, and impressed on both occasions to stake his claim as to why he warrants more consideration heading into the 2024/25 campaign.
The 20-year-old was one of the Red Devils’ most impressive stars on Sunday afternoon at the Murrayfield Stadium, calmly receiving possession from his centre-backs before driving forward and feeding the ball to his more creative teammates.
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Ten Hag is hoping to find a defensive-minded player in the transfer market to partner up with Kobbie Mainoo next season, and Collyer showcased why he may have some of the qualities that he is looking for in that department.
The youngster, who left the Brighton & Hove Albion FC academy to join the Red Devils in 2022, snapped into several strong challenges whilst also tirelessly roaming around the midfield to protect the United defence – and make up for the lack of energy from Casemiro alongside him.
Collyer signed a new contract with the Red Devils earlier this month to extend his stay until 2027, with the option of a further year. The midfielder is yet to make his debut for United in the first-team but has shone for the Under-21s, and his recent displays would indicate that he is ready for the step up.
With Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen all firmly in the shop window at the Theatre of Dreams, United will need to ensure that they aren’t short of options heading into next season – but Collyer has shown Ten Hag that he is more than worthy of being considered a replacement option for one of the aforementioned trio.
