well to shield the ball. He is not afraid to put in a tackle and has a good engine, allowing him to cover ground for 90 minutes.
**Composure:** One of his most praised attributes is his calmness under pressure. Even when pressed by opponents, he rarely panics and often finds a safe or progressive option. This composure is essential for a modern midfielder who needs to play out from the back.
**Versatility:** While primarily a central midfielder, Collyer can also operate as a defensive midfielder or even as a box-to-box runner. This adaptability makes him a valuable squad player.
It is natural to compare Collyer to other emerging talents at Manchester United, particularly Kobbie Mainoo and Dan Gore. Mainoo has already broken into the first team and earned rave reviews for his technical ability and composure. Gore is known for his energy and aggression.
Collyer sits somewhere between the two stylistically. He has the calmness of Mainoo but adds a more defensive edge. He is not as dynamic as Gore in terms of carrying the ball forward, but he is more disciplined positionally. This blend of traits could make him a useful option for Ten Hag when he needs a midfielder who can both protect the defense and link play.
Collyer made his unofficial senior debut for Manchester United in a pre-season friendly in July 2024 against Rosenborg. He came on as a second-half substitute and showed glimpses of his potential. Although the match was a loss, Collyer’s performance was one of the few positives. He was tidy in possession, made several interceptions, and looked comfortable at the pace of senior football.
Fans and pundits noted his ability to step into the team without looking out of place. That performance likely accelerated his pathway to the first team. In the 2024–25 season, he has been named on the bench for several Premier League and Carabao Cup matches. His first competitive appearance is expected to come soon, either in the cup competitions or as a substitute in league games.
Toby Collyer’s immediate future is likely to involve a mix of U21 football and first-team squad involvement. A loan move to a Championship or League One club could also be on the cards if Manchester United feel he needs regular senior minutes. However, given Ten Hag’s willingness to integrate youth, there is a real chance that Collyer could establish himself as a rotation option within the next 12 months.
Long term, Collyer has the potential to become a reliable squad player for United, much like Scott McTominay in his early days. If he continues to develop his on-ball creativity and adds more goals to his game, he could even push for a starting role. His football intelligence is his biggest asset, and intelligent players tend to adapt well to higher levels.
Toby Collyer may not yet be a household name, but he is a player worth watching. His journey from Brighton to Manchester United, his steady rise through the academy, and his composed performances in pre-season all point to a bright future. For Manchester United fans looking for the next academy star to emerge, Collyer is a name to remember.
As the 2024–25 season progresses, expect to see more of Collyer in and around the first team. Whether he becomes a regular starter or a dependable squad player, his development will be an interesting subplot in United’s ongoing rebuild. With hard work, patience, and the right opportunities, Toby Collyer could well become a key part of the club’s midfield for years to come.