If you are good enough, you are old enough – a simple message inscribed deep within the academy foundations at Carrington.
It is tradition – an acceptance that teenagers will inevitably excel in the grandest of Premier League settings.
In Toby Collyer, Manchester United has its latest breakthrough star to rise from academy to first-team under Erik ten Hag.
Amid the Jekyll and Hyde rollercoaster of 2023-24, one constant was the progression of the youth starlets and the manager’s insistence on embracing their abilities.
As the group prepares for Thursday’s meeting with Real Betis, Collyer has been a standout performer during pre-season, with ample suggestion he will be given a competitive opportunity early in the campaign.
From Brighton, with love
The youngster debuted at Brighton’s U18 academy at 15, becoming a star player in the side that won the Premier League Cup and finished an impressive third in the South section in 2020-21.
Shortly after his 17th birthday, he debuted for the U23 side against Tottenham Hotspur, playing the entire fixture and receiving recognition across the club.
Following complications in agreeing on contractual terms 12 months later, United swooped and brought Collyer to the North West on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Similar to his younger years, his progression was consistent, and he soon caught the attention of senior coaches with an array of notable displays for the U23 outfit.
Destined for the top
At 20, the Worthing man appears to be head and shoulders above many of his young teammates – displaying the required maturity for any first-team star.
“He’s [Collyer] now earned an opportunity. Today he was in the starting XI – that’s something – and we see how we can progress,” Ten Hag said following his side’s pre-season victory over Rangers.
An acknowledgement from the manager towards his latest project, but his insistence on attending the player’s contractual extension three weeks prior has prepared us for this.
Furthermore, the images of the pair on the pitch following the FA Cup triumph resembled scenes with Kobbie Mainoo 12 months ago – an underrated quality of the Dutch tactician.
“I always want to make pathways for young players, but they have to earn it,” he continued.
“We saw last year with Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo what can happen – the pathway is open, and Toby is there too.”
A dynamic personality
Although a defensive midfielder, Collyer is comfortable dictating possession.
Like Mainoo, he appears unfazed under pressure and displays press resistance, which aids in transitions from defence to attack.
His spatial awareness is commendable at 20, with a dynamic passing range and knowledge to select the correct option.
Furthermore, his carrying ability is unwavering, with an uncanny ability to dislodge the opposition – In many ways, his skillet and footballing IQ are reminiscent of Frenkie de Jong.
Manchester United have ensured his stay until 2027 with an option for another year, a sensible move from a positive-looking organisation.
Senior officials are confident of another exceptional talent following the emergence of Mainoo and Garnacho.
The conveyor of quality-enriched talent to graduate from the youth ranks continues to purify the senior side, with supporters purring for further cameos from this impressive talent.
Let us know how highly you rate Collyer in the comments or across our social channels.
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