Man Utd allows midfielder to go out on loan as club target Baleba or Hjulmand

Toby Collyer will spend the 2025/26 season on loan with Championship side West Bromwich Albion as Manchester United target a new commanding midfielder.

United’s midfield rebuild could see Sporting Lisbon captain Morten Hjulmand arrive instead of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as he has now emerged as a cut price alternative.

At the same time the decision to allow Collyer to leave on loan can be seen as meaning that they are looking to reinforce in that area now.

The 21-year-old will gain valuable experience with the Baggies, in what will be his first temporary spell away from the club since joining our Academy in March 2022.

Collyer made 13 first-team appearances for the Reds last season, including his Premier League debut against Liverpool last September.

Collyer is the 251st player from our esteemed Academy to have made an appearance for United's senior side.

Toby has captained England at Under-16 level previously, while also representing the Three Lions' Under-20s.

United's no.43 was part of the pre-season squad in Sweden and the United States and featured against Leeds, West Ham and Bournemouth.

"Everyone at Manchester United wishes Toby the very best of luck at the Hawthorns for the campaign ahead, under new manager Ryan Mason," said United in a statement. "We will be watching his progress closely across the next nine months."

Meanwhile on a reinforcement, United manager Ruben Amorim knows Hjulmand well, having worked closely with the Danish international during his time in Lisbon.

The 25-year-old has been a key figure in Sporting’s title push, renowned for his defensive discipline, positional awareness, and leadership qualities, reported A Bola.

While Baleba remains the club’s primary target, Brighton’s steep valuation has forced United’s recruitment team to explore additional options — and Hjulmand’s familiarity with Amorim’s tactical demands makes him a natural candidate.

Hjulmand’s playing style is defined by his ability to shield the back line, break up opposition attacks, and initiate transitions with crisp, forward-thinking passes.

His reading of the game and composure under pressure could bring balance to a United midfield that, at times last season, struggled to control matches against high-pressing opponents.

Importantly, his arrival would not require the kind of nine-figure investment that Baleba might command, allowing the club to allocate resources to other positions before the window closes.