Manchester United receive injury blow with ‘freakish’ midfielder out for “about a month”

Manchester United have received a fresh injury blow as one midfielder has been ruled out for “about a month” with an injury.

Manchester United are gearing up to face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Sunday as Premier League football returns.

The Reds’ last league game saw a narrow 2-1 defeat to West Ham, following a controversial penalty decision that ultimately led to Erik ten Hag’s departure.

Ruud van Nistelrooy has stepped in as interim manager, while Rúben Amorim is poised to take over after the November international break.

In recent cup action, United impressed with a 5-2 victory over Leicester City in the Carabao Cup, booking their place in the quarter-finals, where they’ll face Tottenham Hotspur in London.

Toby Collyer’s injury

According to the Manchester Evening News, United first-team midfielder Toby Collyer will be out with injury for “about a month” following his absence earlier this month, meaning he will not be available against Chelsea.

Collyer made his first-team debut against Liverpool in September and was called up to the England U20s squad during the October international break. He played two games but has not been seen since.

His last competitive appearance was against Liverpool for United’s U21s on 6 October, but he has mainly trained with the club’s first team following an impressive pre-season under Ten Hag.

A rising star

Despite being out for a month, Collyer is still considered one of United’s rising academy stars. According to one report, he has “freakish” running stats in training that are only bettered by Bruno Fernandes.

The 20-year-old recently received the match ball from his Premier League debut, gifted by Nick Cox, the Head of United’s Acadamy.

“It’s been great,” Collyer said earlier this year when asked about his progression to the first-team squad. “I made the transition into the first-team environment, which is what I’ve always wanted to do. I’m focusing on working hard and trying to kick on and get into the squad.

“I remember being really thrilled and excited, buzzing [when training with the first team for the first time]. I kept thinking after the first few sessions I need to stay here, this is what I need to do.”

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