Late drama ensued at Old Trafford on Thursday as Manchester United clinched all three points courtesy of a 2-1 win against Rangers in their Europa League group stage encounter thanks to an added-time winner from Bruno Fernandes.
All three goals came in the second-half with the hosts taking the lead after a howler from former United loanee Jack Butland in the Rangers goal.
Just like when it seemed that the match was meandering to a close, Cyriel Dessers managed to equalise in the 88th minute, sending the away fans into delirium.
But that joy did not last long as the skipper stunned the Rangers supporters into silence, popping up to score from a half-volley in the second minute of extra time.
Collyer was nice and tidy on the ball
Ruben Amorim will not be pleased with the number of chances missed but will be pleased with the display of academy graduate Toby Collyer, who got his first start for the team in an European competition.
The 21-year-old was nervous in the beginning as his misplaced pass almost led to the first big chance for the visitors but he gradually grew into the game and looked quite confident on the ball as time wore on.
The former England U17 international had 57 touches and ended the game with an impressive 94 percent passing accuracy, successfully finding a teammate with 48 out of 51 passes.
The former Brighton starlet also completed both his dribbles and lost possession of the ball only four times (all stats via sofascore).
He kept things simple and ticking over, just what the head coach would have wanted from his defensive midfielder. And Collyer was his usual aggressive self out of possession.
More chances in the pipeline
The Worthing-born star lost only one ground duel in his 73 minutes, and also won one free-kick after being fouled by a Rangers player. The midfielder also completed two interceptions.
It is clear to see that Amorim likes the youngster, with Collyer making an appearance in each of the club’s last four games, after he impressed with his cameo off the bench against Arsenal in the FA Cup.
The head coach has refrained from using Casemiro and opted to use the academy graduate instead, which shows how highly rated he is. And the club have also performed a U-turn and cancelled a loan exit as the coach wants him here,
And more chances are expected with both the Brazilian and Christian Eriksen unlikely to be around at the club for much longer.
Collyer’s energy, drive and determination makes him a handy bench option to come in and replace either of Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo should the need arise.
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
