This boy is incredibly talented, and I would love to have him in the Man City team because Ten Hag doesn’t know how to manage young talent. He impressed me a lot yesterday. Live from Old Trafford. Before he retires, Pep Guardiola says he would really want to have a player from Manchester United on his current squad.

Inspired by their dominant performance against Rangers in their second preseason match, Manchester United embarks on the U.S. leg of their preseason tour. This tour provides young and fringe players a chance to impress as the squad gradually reconvenes.

Manager Erik ten Hag now faces a selection dilemma due to these promising young talents, such as Amad, who, although part of the first team, hasn’t been a regular starter. Players like Toby Collyer have made compelling cases for inclusion in the starting lineup. Collyer, a highly regarded defensive midfielder emerging from United’s academy, has showcased his potential through his performances.

Collyer played 45 minutes in consecutive matches against Rangers, addressing one of Ten Hag’s key issues from last season. Demonstrating his trust in Collyer, Ten Hag gave him the captain’s armband for the second half against Rosenborg.

Collyer’s confidence was evident against Rangers, where he played a crucial role in the starting lineup for most of the first half. As a ball-winning midfielder, he anchored the midfield, facilitated play, and provided strong defensive cover in both games. Against Rosenborg, he maintained discipline under pressure, consistently disrupting the opposition’s play.

In the match against Rangers, where United dominated possession, Collyer completed all 18 of his passes and showcased his ball-recovery skills. His disciplined and efficient performance is already mitigating United’s previous midfield transition weaknesses, which plagued them last season.

United often struggled in midfield as opponents easily penetrated their defenses. Despite having Casemiro, Sofyan Amrabat, or Christian Eriksen, the midfield remained vulnerable. Collyer’s presence offers a solution.

He maintains his position consistently, rarely pushing forward unnecessarily, and frequently breaks up opponents’ counterattacks. While he may need to contribute more on the ball to secure a regular first-team spot, his practical, no-nonsense approach is exactly what United needs. This season presents a golden opportunity for Collyer to establish himself.

With United participating in the Europa League, Ten Hag can rotate the squad, giving Collyer ample opportunities to showcase his talents. Additionally, the FA Cup and early-round Carabao Cup matches will offer more chances. Ten Hag appears to recognize Collyer’s potential.

As veterans like Casemiro and Eriksen approach retirement and with strong interest in Scott McTominay, Collyer’s path to the first team becomes clearer. If Manuel Ugarte joins the team, Collyer would benefit from having a mentor with a similar playing style. Collyer must seize this chance to secure his place in the starting lineup.

He can look to Kobbie Mainoo’s rise as proof that young players can succeed at Manchester United with hard work and strong performances. Toby Collyer has emerged as a potential solution to Manchester United’s midfield issues from last season through his impressive preseason displays.

Erik ten Hag has shown confidence in Collyer, notably by giving him the captain’s armband for the second half against Rosenborg and featuring him prominently against Rangers. Collyer’s ability to win the ball, anchor the midfield, and provide defensive protection has been evident. His potential is underscored by his adaptability and consistent performance in holding possession and disrupting opponents’ play.

With interest in Scott McTominay and uncertain futures for veterans like Casemiro and Eriksen, Collyer’s route to the first team is becoming more apparent. Opportunities in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Europa League could solidify his spot in the team. His methodical approach, combined with potential coaching from a player like Manuel Ugarte, could further enhance his development.

Collyer’s rise offers a promising solution to United’s midfield vulnerabilities and a positive indicator of the club’s young talent.