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Manchester United’s Toby Collyer has lauded Erik ten Hag for the part he has played in his rapid rise from the academy to being on the cusp of a senior team debut.
The 20-year-old was a regular in the U21s last season and he has been heavily involved in the pre-season tour, starting against Arsenal in Los Angeles and putting in a fine display.
The defensive midfielder will fancy his chances of breaking into the first team this year with Casemiro’s future up in the air while the club have failed to land either of Manuel Ugarte and Sofyan Amrabat so far.
The Red Devils are still pursuing the PSG star but as of yet, no deal has been struck while the Moroccan remains a backup option.
Ten Hag clearly rates the youngster as he insisted on attending the signing of his new contract earlier in the summer and he was seen deep in conversation with the midfielder after the FA Cup final victory against Manchester City.
Speaking to The Athletic, Collyer commented on the manager’s role in his development and claimed, “I think it’s a massive boost, it shows he rates me as a player. He just said take it all in, enjoy myself and keep working hard and you never know what can happen. He’s a really good guy, the manager.”
The former Brighton academy star then commented on his own style of play, claiming “I’d say with me a lot of my work is off the ball.
“Predominantly, I’m a really busy player, I like to get about the pitch and an area of my game I’d like to improve on is in possession, so I think the only way you’re going to get better is by demanding the ball, getting on it and not backing away from situations when you could.”
While many young players can show impatience for game time, the 20-year-old showed maturity beyond his youthful years when he commented on the value of being on the bench and soaking up the atmosphere while being amongst senior pros.
He spoke on the need to enjoy these moments as you do not know what will happen. Collyer also claimed that being on the bench was a valuable experience to see what the matchday experience is really like at senior level.
It has been relayed here that Collyer will be given a role next season in the first team and The Peoples Person has predicted that he will be given his chance to shine against Liverpool in the club’s last game of the United States tour.
While fans of the club will be hoping they are able to bring in at least one defensive midfielder during the remainder of the transfer window, Collyer’s progression into the first team could play a key role in providing depth in an area where United have struggled for a very long time.
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