Toby Collyer has heaped praise on one Manchester United star who has faded into the background in the last few months under Rúben Amorim.
Manchester United’s 15th-place finish in the Premier League last season was unacceptable, though several factors contributed to their disappointing domestic campaign.
The mid-season appointment of Rúben Amorim, replacing Erik ten Hag, brought tactical and structural changes that left the squad unsettled, with strong performances from players like Leny Yoro and Bruno Fernandes often undermined by costly errors elsewhere.
Injuries also played a major role in derailing United’s season, with key figures such as Lisandro Martínez, Amad, and Joshua Zirkzee spending extended periods on the sidelines.
However, with no major international tournaments this summer, many of United’s injured players are expected to use the off-season to fully recover and return to pre-season training fit and ready for the 2025/26 campaign.
Collyer heaps praise on Martínez after injury issues
Another player who has been unfortunate enough to suffer a series of injuries is United Academy graduate Toby Collyer, who has been unable to secure a place under Amormi due to his inconsistent availability.
However, before his injury, United defender Martínez heaped praise on the 21-year-old, calling him a “big example for the young generation” earlier this year.
“You can’t really ask for anything more than that,” Collyer told club media when listening back to Martinez’s words.
“That’s coming from a World Cup winner! And Licha is another name that’s massively helped me, in training every day, around the building, to express myself, giving me little tips on the pitch and helping me through games. He’s another one that’s really helped me.”
Martínez is known to be one of United’s more aggressive and passionate players. When Collyer was asked if he thinks the centre-backs love for him is due to the Argetina international seeming similar traits in the midfielder he replied: “That’s what I’d hope, because he’s got a great attitude, he strives for everything, so I’d hope he sees that in me as well.”
The pair have spent a lot of time together on the treatment table at United, and while both players would rather be on the pitch, Collyer admitted that it was nice to be able to spend one-on-one time with Martínez during their respective recoveries.
“We saw each other every day in the physio room,” he said, “and even when we’re working in the gym, you have little moments where you can chat for a bit. It’s nice to have someone like him to get through it with.”
Amorim will be able to unleash Martínez next season
While Martínez is a well-known and well-liked player among United’s fanbase, he has somewhat faded into the background amid fantastic performances from his teammates.
In the 27-year-old’s absence, both Ayden Heaven and Yoro have established themselves as fantastic options at left centre-back within Amorim’s back-three system.
However, many have forgotten that, before his injury, Martínez was excelling from the same position, having a hand in many of United’s goals while marshalling the back line with poise and confidence.
He possesses many traits that United lack, and with the club signing multiple new first-team forwards and a new midfielder this summer, his on-the-ball qualities look set to shine through under Amorim as United become a more dominant team.
Although initial expectations had Martínez returning from injury in November, there is now hope that he will be able to regain his fitness from pre-season and make a return to action in September.
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