I took my time to watch the game yesterday and I must confess this boy is really good,You mean Ten Hag has this special talent and He is afraid to use Him last season”, Former Liverpool boss Jurgen klopp tells Erik Ten Hag to start using this youngster if He really wants to compete for league title next season.

As Manchester United heads into the USA leg of their pre-season tour, the team is riding high after an impressive away victory against Rangers in their second pre-season match. This tour has been instrumental in bringing the squad together, with more players joining as the tour progresses. It has also been a crucial time for fringe players and young talents to make their mark and vie for a spot in the first team.

One of the standout performers has been Amad, who, despite not being a regular starter, has delivered impressive performances. His play has posed a selection challenge for manager Erik ten Hag, as Amad has demonstrated he is ready to compete for a starting position. Additionally, young players like Toby Collyer have seized this opportunity to showcase their potential and make a significant impact.

Toby Collyer, a defensive midfielder, has been particularly noteworthy. Touted as the next rising star from United’s academy, Collyer has lived up to expectations with his solid performances. He played two consecutive 45-minute halves against Rangers, addressing one of ten Hag’s major concerns from last season. His consistent and disciplined play has earned him the manager’s trust, as evidenced by his captaincy in the second half against Rosenborg and his starting role in a predominantly first-team lineup against Rangers.

In both matches, Collyer demonstrated his skill as a ball-winning midfielder. Positioned at the base of the midfield, he played a simple yet effective game, providing crucial defensive cover. Against Rosenborg, he remained composed under pressure, frequently intercepting the ball from opponents. The dynamic shifted in the match against Rangers, where United enjoyed more possession, and Collyer adapted seamlessly, completing all 18 of his passes and maintaining his defensive duties.

Collyer’s emergence is addressing a critical issue from last season—United’s tendency to be overrun in midfield during transitions. Last season, the midfield often disappeared at key moments, allowing opponents easy access through the center. While Casemiro’s defensive contributions were sometimes questioned, the problem appeared to be more structural, as the issue persisted even with players like Sofyan Amrabat or Christian Eriksen in the lineup.

Collyer embodies the type of player United needs to resolve these issues. His positional discipline ensures he is in the right place to thwart counter-attacks, simply by adhering to his role. Although he may need to develop his offensive game to secure a regular first-team position, his current focus on function over flair is exactly what United’s midfield requires.

This season presents a golden opportunity for Collyer to cement his place in the squad. With United competing in the Europa League, there will be plenty of rotation opportunities during the group stage. Early-round fixtures in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup will also provide Collyer with chances to impress until January.

Erik ten Hag seems to recognize Collyer’s potential and talent. With the possible departures of midfield veterans like Casemiro and Eriksen, and significant interest in Scott McTominay, the door is open for a midfield breakthrough. The potential acquisition of Manuel Ugarte, a player with a similar style to Collyer, could also offer the young midfielder a valuable mentor.

Ultimately, it will be up to Collyer to seize these opportunities and establish himself in the first team. He can draw inspiration from fellow youngster Kobbie Mainoo, who is also making strides within the squad. As Manchester United’s pre-season tour in the USA continues, the team has started on a positive note, showcasing the depth and talent within the squad. For players like Collyer, this is a critical time to shine and stake a claim for the upcoming season.

Collyer’s rise is a testament to the strength of United’s academy and the opportunities available for young talents under Erik ten Hag’s management. His disciplined style of play could be key to solving United’s midfield woes and ensuring a stronger defensive setup as the new season approaches.