Man Utd verdict on 'freakish' midfielder in transfer window

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Saturday, 18 January 2025 at 18:51
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Toby Collyer will remain with the first-team squad for the rest of the season, with no plans to send him out on loan.
The 21-year-old Manchester United midfielder, who was promoted to the first-team setup at the start of the campaign, has impressed with his contributions, solidifying his importance to the squad.
Collyer delivered a standout performance in the FA Cup third-round victory over Arsenal and followed it up with another impressive display against Southampton on Thursday.
Introduced in the 53rd minute to replace Manuel Ugarte, Collyer excelled in the midfield, completing 95% of his passes and winning 100% of his tackles, helping United regain control after a lackluster first half.
His composure and work rate in the middle of the pitch have caught the eye of manager Erik ten Hag.
Ten Hag first handed Collyer his senior debut during the Community Shield in August and later brought him on for his Premier League debut in a high-stakes match against Liverpool, where United were trailing 2-0 at halftime.
A club source previously revealed that Ten Hag is a strong admirer of Collyer, noting his "freakish" running stats in training—only surpassed by Bruno Fernandes.
Collyer’s efforts earned him a new contract in July, extending his stay at Old Trafford until 2027.
Ten Hag personally attended the contract signing, underscoring his confidence in the young midfielder’s potential.
Speaking earlier this week, assistant manager Ruben Amorim praised Collyer’s progress:“Toby is training really well. He’s quick, eager to learn, and gives us another strong option.”
United’s focus on developing young talent has seen several players loaned out during the January window, including Ethan Ennis (Doncaster Rovers), Ethan Williams (Cheltenham Town), and Joe Hugill (Carlisle United).
Other prospects, like Dan Gore and Ethan Wheatley, are also attracting loan interest.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old defender Harry Amass, who featured for the Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup against Preston North End, could also be loaned out if the right opportunity arises.
Club sources emphasize that any move must prioritize the player's development.
As Collyer continues to grow under Ten Hag’s guidance, he appears poised to play a significant role in United’s midfield for the remainder of the campaign.