Who is Manchester United’s Toby Collyer? Everything you need to know about the youngster, including his age, position, height, nationality and more.

Manchester United’s pre-season got off to an inauspicious start after Rosenborg’s late goal condemned them to a 0-1 defeat. 

Of course, it was a game where two United sides played a half each, and only three players can really claim to be first-team regulars (Mason Mount, Marcus Rashford, and Casemiro). 

It was about getting minutes under the belt and being challenged, something which a fit Rosenborg side definitely did. Even though United were under the pump for most of it, Toby Collyer’s performance caught the eye. 

The defensive midfielder was named captain for the second half, a big statement of intent from Erik ten Hag. He answered the call with a great performance in difficult circumstances. 

Seeing him in action, United fans sent Ten Hag a clear message…

Man United fans send Toby Collyer message

Collyer was a ball-winning machine vs Rosenborg which was a pleasant surprise since he’s generally known more for keeping the play ticking from deep. 

He is more functional than flashy with his passing and relies more on smart positioning and interceptions than duels and tackles to recover the ball. However, against Rosenborg, he showed new additions to his game that had the fans salivating. 

He convinced the fans that he is ready to receive first-team minutes this season, and Ten Hag should throw him at the deep end. 

One said, “He looked the sharpest of the lot on the pitch”, as another tipped him for greatness, saying, “Boy will light up the Premier League!”. 

Others predicted a breakthrough as well, noting Ten Hag’s previous record of bringing through players, “Another young star into the first team, Ten Hag can identify a young talent when he sees one. One said, “He was really impressive, very similar to Mainoo in taking the ball under pressure”. 

Another echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Thought he was a level above the others on the pitch”. Comparisons to Mainoo were natural due to similar circumstances, but another appeared too as one said, “Looks like Declan Rice type of player to me”. 

Exciting talents galore, but patience required

While it is not beyond the realm of possibility that Collyer is, indeed, the next great wonderkid to emerge from the academy, anyone expecting a Kobbie Mainoo to emerge every year is being severely optimistic. 

Mainoo has shown that is a generational talent and while this academy batch might be a golden generation, measuring any emerging youngster to him straightaway will only serve to increase the pressure. 

Collyer performed really well and looks like a different type of player to Mainoo. In fact, his style of play as the more reserved, defensive-minded midfielder is ideally suited to suit up alongside Mainoo. 

As United play more games, get match rhythm, and start dominating possession, Collyer’s qualities on the ball should come to the fore. 

One thing is pretty certain- he is not going out on loan as Ten Hag clearly sees potential in him to contribute. How much he contributes is up for debate.