“Training really well…” Rúben Amorim confirms Toby Collyer stance after January transfer U-turn

Rúben Amorim has confirmed his stance on Toby Collyer’s involvement against Southampton following a U-turn on his chances of a January loan move.

Manchester United have begun 2025 with optimism, shaking off a difficult end to 2024 that saw them suffer four straight defeats across all competitions.

Rúben Amorim’s side signaled improvement with a spirited 2-2 draw against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield, followed by a dramatic FA Cup victory over Arsenal, with Altay Bayındır emerging as the hero in a tense penalty shootout.

Now sitting 13th in the Premier League, United are gearing up to face rock-bottom Southampton on Thursday evening at Old Trafford. This fixture, their first home game of the year, kicks off a pivotal three-match stretch at home and offers a chance to build much-needed momentum.

With two weeks of intensive training behind them, supporters are hopeful that the team will deliver consistent performances and begin to establish a stronger identity on the pitch.

Amorim confirms stance on Collyer vs Southampton

While Bayındır has been praised for his mammoth performance against Arsenal, another man who has had the spotlight shone on him is young midfielder Toby Collyer.

Collyer played around 40 minutes at the Emirates Stadium, with fans highlighting his “crazy” midfield performance against Mikel Arteta’s men.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Amorim has now confirmed that Collyer will be considered as an option when the side faces Southampton.

“A lot of players I had to think this week,” Amorim said. “Toby is training really well, he has a lot of pace, he likes to learn so it’s one more option for tomorrow.”

It was recently confirmed that the club have performed a U-turn and that Collyer will not be heading out on loan in January after the youngster impressed Amorim in training.

Ferdinand waxes lyrical about “excellent” Collyer

It is not just the club’s fans who have praised Collyer for his Arsenal cameo, but he also caught the eye of Old Trafford legend Rio Ferdinand, who feels the 12-year-old could displace Casemiro.

Read More: “Training really well…” Rúben Amorim confirms Toby Collyer stance after January transfer U-turn

“Toby Collyer was excellent when he came on, the energy levels were huge, through the roof. Testament to him,” the 46-year-old said.

“Is the player happy to be on the bench? I don’t think Casemiro will be happy. At any point in his career he’s never been on the bench,” continued Ferdinand.

“So if he’s on the bench now, if an offer came in, he’d listen to it, but also the club, you can see now they are bringing on Toby Collyer.

“If they get an offer they require, that they want, I don’t think it will be something that will be difficult to happen.

“If he wants to go and play football, who are we to stand in his way at this stage of his career.”

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