Academy warrior should be loaned out to reunite with former manager, it could help United unearth their own N’Golo Kanté – opinion

Heading into the 2024-25 season, one Manchester United academy star tipped for a breakout campaign was Toby Collyer.

Back in 2023, just after United lifted the Carabao Cup, then-head coach Erik ten Hag was seen deep in conversation with Kobbie Mainoo.

Enter 2023–24: Mainoo, despite an early-season injury, went on to fight his way into becoming a dependable first-team regular.

His resurgence culminated in a Man of the Match display in United’s 2-1 FA Cup final win over Manchester City, earning him FA Cup Player of the Season honours.

And so, following that success, it felt like déjà vu when, after that FA Cup final, Ten Hag was again seen chatting with Toby Collyer.

Social media buzzed with speculation. Was Ten Hag ready to unearth another gem? Was Collyer about to enjoy his own “Mainoo season” in 2024-25?

Unfortunately, things did not go as planned for the young Red Devil.

Collyer’s 2024-25 did not go to plan: Ten Hag sacking and injuries

United’s early struggles in 2024–25 held back his progression. Ten Hag’s dismissal also didn’t help his case.

With the Dutch tactician gone, any progression plan laid out for the midfielder seemed to evaporate.

Although new head coach Ruben Amorim was expected to implement the midfielder’s progression plan, that did not happen immediately.

Amorim’s task was to steady a faltering United side, and understandably, taking a chance on an unproven player was not a top priority.

To complicate matters further, Collyer then endured two separate injuries (a leg injury followed by a knock) that sidelined him for most of the second half of the season.

He did manage 12 senior appearances, including a headline-grabbing debut against Liverpool and a goal-saving late cameo against Fulham, but there’s little doubt: 2024–25 was not his season.

So what now for Collyer?

United are set for a squad rebuild this summer. New signings are expected, and several names could make way.

Collyer may not be one of those to be moved on as he remains highly regarded at Carrington — but is he truly in Amorim’s plans?

He could be if the former Sporting Lisbon boss is seeking his own N’Golo Kanté.

“He could do two jobs in one, and his ball retention was different class. You don’t get midfielders like him anymore,” former Liverpool Women’s manager Matt Beard told the MEN when asked about a team that might benefit from Collyer’s services.

“He was sort of like (N’Golo) Kanté for Leicester. You need balance in a team. If you had three Kobbie Mainoos, you can’t play them all. You need a combination, and Toby will do stuff Mainoo won’t. He will break the play up and get the ball to Mainoo.”

But it’s hard to see Amorim viewing it the same way.

With pressure mounting for United to return to their best, team selections are bound to be critical.

Reports linking Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney with a move only reinforce the sense that Collyer may find it difficult to break into the first team in the short term.

And with Amorim admitting recently that, without European football, he doesn’t need a large squad, proven talents will likely be favoured over promising prospects.

Another season on the bench will not do for Collyer

For regular game time, a season-long loan with no obligation to buy could be the best way forward.

One can only hope Ten Hag is quick to take him to Bayer Leverkusen.

The Dutchman saw potential in Collyer and might know just how to unlock it. The familiarity, combined with a move to a side that still employs a 3-4-2-1 system (if Ten Hag persists with it), could be perfect for the 21-year-old.

Collyer could thrive in the Bundesliga. Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham have already shown how well English talents adapt to German football.

A full season in a familiar system could help Collyer rediscover rhythm, develop further, and return ready to take on the Premier League.

If not, he could still be sold for a premium (like Bellingham and Sancho were), funds that INEOS could reinvest to help Amorim build his ideal United squad.

Feature image Shaun Botterill via Getty Images

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