After breaking into the first team last season, Ruben Amorim is waiting to watch his young stars before deciding whether to loan them out or not.
So far, the focus in this summer’s transfer window has been firmly on bolstering the attack, as Manchester United look to improve on their disappointing tally of just 44 Premier League goals last season.
With Matheus Cunha already signed and Bryan Mbeumo looking increasingly likely to join, attention has now turned to securing a marquee striker. Names like Viktor Gyökeres and Hugo Ekitike have been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
However, midfield reinforcements could also become a priority. Christian Eriksen is out of contract, Casemiro is reportedly on his way out, and Mason Mount’s United career has been hampered by persistent injuries.
Given the club’s limited budget this summer, United may struggle to invest heavily in midfield. But they might not need to look far, as an eager young midfielder from their own ranks is ready to step up and compete for a spot next season.
Collyer could leave on loan
Toby Collyer can come out of last season’s disappointing campaign with his head held high, managing to break through into the first team and show glimpses of promise that can be taken into next season after suffering from a couple of injuries.
Collyer recently spoke to club media about next season, expressing his desire to stay and battle for his place in the side, but there is still the chance that he could develop his football elsewhere to get more minutes out on loan.
Speaking to The United Stand YouTube channel, Ben Jacobs spoke on a potential loan deal for the 21-year-old.
“Nothing yet on Collyer other than there’s some interest from the Championship in terms of a loan there. I’d heard Middlesbrough, in particular, were relatively keen, but I think Manchester United and Amorim, in particular, will want to understand what they’re doing with him first.
“Rúben Amorim wants a lot of these players in his squad that featured last season, that are up and coming, maybe even some young players from the Academy that haven’t yet had their opportunity. It sounds like he wants a slightly bigger squad for pre-season to really look at everyone first-hand.”
Collyer fits Amorim’s system
Transitioning from Erik ten Hag’s 4-2-3-1 to Amorim’s trademark 3-4-2-1 system proved difficult for several players, with the Portuguese manager often needing to coach them through matches.
One player who handled the shift impressively, however, was Collyer. The young midfielder adapted quickly to Amorim’s system, and his underlying stats suggest he could be an ideal fit in one of the defensive midfield roles in United’s starting XI.
His 39-minute cameo against Arsenal in the FA Cup last season opened the eyes of many, including Amorim’s, to what the midfielder brings to the side.
Coming onto the pitch over the likes of Casemiro and Eriksen, Collyer had 15 touches, played a pass into the final third, and won a foul late on to stop a counter-attack, in what people called a “crazy” performance.
Amorim has often spoken about the physical demands of English football during his tenure at Old Trafford, and Collyer’s high work rate was noticeably missed during his spell on the sidelines through injury.
What sets Collyer apart is his ability to win duels and track back relentlessly. At one point last season, he led the Premier League in ground duel success rate and posted remarkable running stats, which are traits that make him an excellent option in the defensive pivot.
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