Manchester United view Yan Diomande and Morgan Rogers as two ‘leading targets’ to bolster the attack next season, according to Ben Jacobs.The two players have been heavily linked with moves away from their respective clubs this summer, and United are ready to be at the front of the queue.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYUnited tracking youngster Yan DiomandeDiomande has only spent nine months with RB Leipzig, but has impressed so much in his maiden season that he’s already being tipped for a move to a European heavyweight.The 19-year-old starlet has returned 13 goals and nine assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this term, making it no surprise his form has caught the eye of a host of potential suitors, including United. RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, one of Liverpool’s targets to replace Mo Salah in the summer, produced a fine display in his side’s win on Friday 😮💨🌟 pic.twitter.com/zE0enKwWlv — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 27, 2026One Red Bull chief even told Flashscore that Diomande is ‘the most gifted player within our system since Erling Haaland.’While Leipzig will do their utmost to convince the Ivorian international to stay at least another year, it’s thought that they would facilitate a sale in the coming months if they can receive a lucrative sum for Diomande’s services.What would make United move for Rogers?As for Rogers, Jacobs suspects United would intensify their interest in the event that Michael Carrick is appointed as the permanent manager.Carrick worked with the Aston Villa talisman during his time at Middlesbrough in the 2023/2024 campaign.(Photo via Ashley Crowden/REX/Shuttershock)Rogers made 33 appearances (20 as a starter) under the former Red, scoring seven goals and assisting nine.He is said to be plotting a Villa Park exit this summer, irrespective of whether they qualify for the Champions League. Morgan Rogers pulling the strings 🧵#UEL | @AVFCOfficial pic.twitter.com/ioKZb7ZHiK — UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) April 21, 2026However, before Rogers can start really considering where his future lies, he’ll just be doing his utmost to secure his spot in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup selection next month.
Journo: Man Utd will only move for PL star primed for World Cup call-up if Michael Carrick stays long-term
United Women star caps incredible season with another prestigious award
Manchester United Women’s season began in incredibly promising fashion but has flickered out over the last two months of the campaign. Season recap The Red Devils are currently fourth in the Women’s Super League and look set to miss out on Champions League football next season. This does not tell the whole story, however, as they spent most of the season in second place and also reached the final of the League Cup, which they lost to Chelsea. The highlight of the season was certainly United’s inaugural Champions League campaign, and they impressively reached the quarter-finals, losing 3-5 to Bayern Munich on aggregate in a strong showing. Maya Le Tissier As usual, the England youngster, Maya Le Tissier, has been at the heart of most of what United have done right this season. Le Tissier, the club captain, has been ever-present for the Red Devils, playing 40 times this season in all competitions and scoring four goals. This included the club’s first ever goal in the Champions League group phase against Valerenga. She also found the net with a coolly taken penalty at Old Trafford against Bayern in the quarter-finals. Award The young defender “led the winners at the 2026 Women’s Football Awards”, according to The Metro newspaper as she took home the Young Player of the Year award. The paper reported that, “Le Tissier, meanwhile, has enjoyed another standout campaign at the heart of United’s defence as she continues to develop into a vital player for both club and country.” Former Red Devil Nikita Parris, who is currently playing for London City Lionesses, was awarded the “game changer” prize for another strong season in the Women’s Super League. Le Tissier will next be in action for the Red Devils when they travel to face Chelsea in the last league game of the season on Saturday 16th May at 13:00 BST. Maya Le Tissier season stats SeasonMatchesGoals 2025-2026404 Source: Wikipedia Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
United’s legendary captain makes return to training pitch as squad prepares for Sunderland match
Manchester United regularly welcome back former players to the club and have invited another legend recently. Diego Forlan and Da Silva twins The Red Devils recently invited Diego Forlan and Rafael and Fabio Da Silva back to the club’s training ground ahead of the crunch match versus Liverpool. Forlan caught up with his Uruguayan compatriot Manuel Ugarte, and the Brazilian twins were seen talking with former teammates Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans. Bryan Robson United have also invited back former captain Bryan Robson, who was an inspirational figure at the club during the 1980s and early 1990s. Robson signed from West Bromwich Albion in 1981 and left the club in 1994. During this time, “captain marvel” played 465 times and scored 100 goals from midfield. He won two Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two Charity Shields and a European Cup Winners’ Cup during his time at Old Trafford. The midfielder was widely praised for his all-action presence and versatility across the entire middle of the park. Carrington visit The club’s official website reports that, “former Manchester United captain Bryan Robson has been a welcome guest at Carrington, as Michael Carrick’s Reds prepare to face Sunderland.” The site adds that, “Robson is a fairly regular attendee at training and was pictured looking the part as he watched Wednesday’s grass session.” Robson was captured on camera wearing a 1992 League Cup final jacket from the new 90/92 Bringback collection released by the club as part of their official merchandise collection. Watching over training in style 😮💨🪡 pic.twitter.com/0UNyGWRwbT — Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 7, 2026 The 69-year-old also managed numerous clubs, including Middlesbrough, Bradford City, Sheffield United, West Bromwich Albion and the Thailand national team. He also currently works as a Global Ambassador for Manchester United, representing the club in numerous events across the globe. Bryan Robson playing career stats ClubAppearancesGoalsYears Active West Brom245461974-1981 Man United461991981-1994 Middlesbrough2711994-1997 The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
United fans learn time and date they will give emotional send-off to all-star midfielder at Old Trafford
Manchester United have had their final home match of the season confirmed. Significance The Red Devils are currently on a three-match winning streak after losing 2-1 to Leeds United. United have beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, as well as Champions League rivals Brentford and Liverpool at Old Trafford. The 3-2 victory over Liverpool last weekend secured a spot in next season’s Champions League. Four points would mathematically secure a top-three finish from their last three games. The first of the remaining matches will be against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon, in a rare 15:00 BST kick-off for the Reds. It has also been decided that United will play their final match of the season against Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday 24th May at 16:00 BST, as all teams will play at the same time, as is tradition on the final day of the Premier League season. Nottingham Forest match confirmed There was some doubt about when United would take on Nottingham Forest in the club’s final home match of the season. This uncertainty was due to Forest’s potential involvement in the Europa League final, but their 4-0 loss to Aston Villa ended those hopes. If the Tricky Trees had made the final, United’s match would have taken place on Friday, but this is no longer an option. The club’s site confirmed, “Manchester United’s Premier League game against Nottingham Forest will go ahead on Sunday 17 May, as provisionally scheduled.” The club also confirmed that, “the final home fixture of the season for Michael Carrick’s men gets under way at 12:30 BST on that date.” The game will also be shown live on Sky Sports for viewers in the UK. The match-up promises to be emotional, as it will be Casemiro’s final game at Old Trafford as a United player, and Red Devils fans are bound to want to give the Brazilian an impressive send-off. Casemiro Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League333292812,508′ FA Cup10—-11′ EFL Cup——- Total343292812,519′ Featured image Alex Livesey via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Alex Browne Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Alex has a Master’s degree from Queen’s University Belfast and La Universitat Rovira i Virgili in Tarragona, Spain. Having lived in the country since 2011, Alex is The Peoples Person’s Spanish football expert and is fluent in both Spanish and Catalan. He dreams of witnessing a United captain triumphantly hoisting the Premier League and Champions League trophy in the air once more.
United hold talks to sign ferocious CL superstar, he would make them title contenders – Ben Jacobs
Manchester United’s hopes of striking a bombshell deal for Real Madrid superstar Aurelien Tchouameni continue to grow by the day following explosive reports from Spain. Fixing the Engine Room The Red Devils are intent on revamping their midfield this summer in a window which will define the INEOS era, such is its importance. Brazilian behemoth Casemiro is set to leave at the end of the season after the mutual decision not to renew his contract, which included a twelve-month extension. But the abject performances of Manuel Ugarte have done little to give confidence in a succession plan from one South American enforcer to another. The 25-year-old Uruguay international, signed from Paris Saint-Germain for £50.7 million in 2024, will be sold if a suitable offer arrives. Galatasaray made advances in January, while there is growing interest from Serie A sides. Furthermore, Bruno Fernandes has been redeployed to his rightful position as No.10, leaving Kobbie Mainoo as the sole representative in midfield with a long-term future at Old Trafford. Fresh from celebrating his 21st birthday, the English starlet put pen to paper on a five-year deal last week, shortly before scoring the winner against Liverpool to confirm Champions League qualification at the weekend. It’s hard to think of a better selection of gifts. Two big-money recruits are expected to arrive to fix this stalling engine room, with a third potentially joining them if a suitable offer arrives for Ugarte. The primary target is Elliot Anderson, for whom Nottingham Forest are expected to demand a British record for a midfielder to let go. Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), Carlos Baleba (Brighton) and Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace) are other expensive targets, while Alex Scott (Bournemouth) and Joao Gomes (Wolves) are cheaper alternatives. Madrid’s Midfield Monster United are prioritising options with Premier League pedigree, given the failures the club have endured in recent years with foreign imports. But INEOS have been keeping a watchful eye on the continent should an outstanding talent – a Champions League-winning French international, for example – become unexpectedly available. Tchouameni has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe since arriving at the Santiago Bernabeu in 2022. But the 26-year-old is exclusively that: a defensive midfielder. Where his predecessor, Casemiro, was capable of helping dictate play, aided by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, Tchouameni does most of his best work without the ball. There is a growing sense Real Madrid want a deep-lying playmaker to complement Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham, two hard-working number eights who are excellent defensively. This has led to noises in Spain suggesting Los Blancos may look to sell the Frenchman this summer to fund a pursuit of Manchester City maestro Rodri. His teammate and compatriot, Eduardo Camavinga, could also be on the chopping block. This unexpected opportunity has put United on red alert, with Ben Jacobs revealing the club have made a “formative approach” to Tchouameni to gauge his potential interest in a switch to Old Trafford. He is not believed to be agitating for a move, given he already plays for the biggest club in world football on huge wages. But if Real president Florentino Perez wants a player gone in order to buy a shiny new toy, that player rarely gets a choice in the matter. Civil War Another bombshell update in this story emerged earlier today, with a fight breaking out between Tchouameni and Valverde which left the Uruguay international requiring hospital treatment after sustaining a head injury. It followed a clash between the pair yesterday. The original report came from Spanish outlet Marca, before being confirmed by The Athletic correspondent David Ornstein. 🚨 Federico Valverde & Aurelien Tchouameni in dressing-room fight at Real Madrid training ground. Valverde went to hospital with head injury. Follows altercation 24hrs earlier. #RMFC expected to take action. W/ @GuillermoRai_ @MarioCortegana @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/YYWKTdSKCN — David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) May 7, 2026 Tweet: “Federico Valverde & Aurelien Tchouameni in dressing-room fight at Real Madrid training ground. Valverde went to hospital with head injury. Follows altercation 24hrs earlier. #RMFC expected to take action.” Real will “take action over the situation” but there is no confirmation over “what form any potential sanction will take,” Ornstein concludes. Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed Valverde had “suffered a traumatic brain injury” and will miss this weekend’s ‘El Clasico’, where FC Barcelona can secure LaLiga with a draw. Final Thoughts Despite protestations that conflict in a dressing room is normal, this is an extremely serious situation that will entail consequences, particularly if Tchouameni is found to have physically assaulted Valverde. Some sources in the Spanish capital claim it was Valverde who was the instigator, however, with Tchouameni forced into defending himself. Either way, if the Rouen native’s future in Madrid was uncertain at the point that United approached him over an exit, it is even less assured now. Valverde is one of the leaders of Alvaro Arbeloa’s squad, and considered arguably the most complete midfielder in world football. If it comes down to keeping one and selling the other to maintain squad harmony, INEOS will be at the front of the queue when Tchouameni’s services become available for hire. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.
“Letting people down”: Shaw reveals why last season was an even harder experience than devastating leg break
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has labelled last season the toughest yet in his career, as he spoke to club media ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Aston Villa. Closing in on record Shaw has played an instrumental role in the success that United have enjoyed since Michael Carrick was named interim head coach at the start of the year. He has started every game under Carrick, proving to be a reliable presence at his natural left-back position. The Peoples Person highlighted that Shaw is closing in on an impressive personal milestone. He is just three games away from starting every Premier League game in a single campaign, for the first time in his career. So far this season, Shaw has played 35 games and logged a total of 2,971 minutes. But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for Shaw at United. Having endured a near career-ending leg break in 2015, he displayed remarkable determination to return from it. Since then, his Old Trafford tenure has been disrupted by injuries, causing him to miss large chunks of games while recovering. For instance, last term, Shaw managed just 348 minutes of top-flight action. He spoke to club media and detailed why last season was the most challenging period of his career yet. Shaw’s revelation The 30-year-old said about injuries, “Honestly, it’s so tough. I think people just think, ‘Oh, he’s injured, he’s not bothered. He doesn’t care, he’s injured again’. But it’s not like that.” “Last year I think was probably my toughest year. Obviously I broke my leg [in 2015] – that was completely different. But last year I just kept picking up injuries, and I just didn’t understand what was going wrong.” “It was so hard, like, emotionally, everything. It was so tough.” He continued, “I remember not knowing what to do. You feel like you’re letting people down. You feel like you’re letting your team down, the fans down.” “Thankfully, this season, I feel like I’ve come on a better side with injuries. That was one of the most important things for me at the start of the season, was just making sure I was fit for the whole season.” “It was a real tough period, but you just live and you learn. That also built me up even more, and made me more resilient. I learned a lot from it, and I’m in a much better place mentally for it now.” Shaw insisted that he will use the lessons from that experience to help the next generation of players. “I feel like that’s now kind of my job. You have young lads now coming in, loads of them that have so much potential coming to this club. [It’s the] biggest pressure there is in football, I think. And it’s about how you learn and, and you live with it.” “For me, I’m grateful that I’ve been here for so long and I’ve had all them experiences, and I know how to deal with it and how to live with it. So I feel like – of course still playing – but also my job now is to give advice, and to help these young lads grow in experiences and understand the club and so they can really live it and, and enjoy it.” Shaw and his teammates are next in action on Saturday when they go away to Sunderland. Featured image Stu Forster via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
United have unearthed the perfect successor to Bruno Fernandes, Carrick will be key to completing the deal – report
Manchester United will already have one eye on preparations for next season, having secured their place in the Champions League after a two-year absence. Midfield is the obvious priority, while the Red Devils would also prefer to strengthen at the back. And despite Matheus Cunha‘s rise and plans of playing Patrick Dorgu further up front, INEOS would like to reinforce out wide on the left as well. Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig is one of the targets, as is Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Interestingly, The Manchester Evening News have claimed the Englishman is of added significance due to another reason. Bruno Fernandes needs to be replaced Where would the 20-time English league champions be without Bruno Fernandes? That is the question the co-owners want to solve before it is too late. The club skipper had come dangerously close to leaving last year, but as things stand, he is open to staying put this time around with INEOS even reportedly planning a contract extension. However, the Portuguese superstar is not going to be here forever and United are keen to get the right succession plan in place. And Morgan Rogers fits the bill. Interestingly, Michael Carrick is a fan of the England international, having worked together at Middlesbrough, and he is keen to reunite with the versatile attacker. Morgan Rogers identified as the perfect fit For now, should United sign the 23-year-old, he would most likely fill in out wide, before playing centrally once the Portuguese superstar decides to depart. “The Portuguese playmaker also turns 32 in September, and although he is in the form of his life at the moment, there is no certainty that it will be sustained for years to come, especially with the schedule set to become more demanding now that United have returned to Europe. “So there is clearly a need for a succession plan. United can’t be caught out if Fernandes decides after the World Cup he wants to leave this summer, or if he says next season will be his last. “Instead, the answer may well lie in the transfer market. Amid another summer focusing on Premier League-proven players, Aston Villa’s attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers is someone United are keen on, with the view within the game that Villa might be willing to cash in on the 23-year-old to help fund their own summer overhaul. Can play multiple roles “His versatility has also been on show this term, with 30 games as an attacking midfielder and 17 on the left wing. United are in the market for a left-winger this summer and if they can land Rogers, he could play on the left with Fernandes in the same team, before eventually taking control of that central position.” Villa are open to a sale, and it will be interesting to see if United can cough up the money needed to seal the deal this summer. Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
‘Very concrete’: Sky journo provides Man Utd afternoon update over ‘talks’ for £50m star after Ratcliffe intervention
Manuel Ugarte has begun exploring a summer move away from Manchester United, with Galatasaray one of the favourites to land his signature.Despite his lacklustre form over the last two seasons, the midfielder is said to have ‘many options’ in the lead-up to the summer window, as per Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports.Galatasaray are viewed as a ‘very concrete’ suitor after holding initial talks back in January, until the move failed to materialise. 🚨🦁 Manuel Ugarte was a very concrete topic at Galatasaray last summer. Talks had already taken place, but the move did not happen. Ugarte is planning a transfer in the summer. Contract at Manchester United valid until 2029. Open race. Many options. #MUFC 🇺🇾 pic.twitter.com/AJnV5pJcoR — Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 7, 2026DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYManuel Ugarte planning for summer transferNow, however, the Uruguayan international will have free rein to negotiate an Old Trafford exit, as United are set on parting ways with him before 2026/2027 gets underway.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustIt was reported last month that Sir Jim Ratcliffe had even privately approved Ugarte’s sale in a visit to Carrington, which came immediately after the player’s lacklustre showing in the defeat to Leeds United.Ugarte had only been granted a starting spot due to Kobbie Mainoo being injured, and it marked his first – and presumably last – start under Michael Carrick.In fact, Carrick has opted against using the 25-year-old in any form in the subsequent three fixtures against Chelsea, Brentford and Liverpool, all of which have been wins for the Red Devils. Appearances (starts) Unused Minutes played 7 (1) 7 155 Ugarte’s record since Carrick took chargeHow much could Unitd make from Ugarte’s sale?United have reportedly set a price tag of around £25 million for Ugarte, just two years on from when they shelled out a whopping £42m for him while pledging a further £8m in add-ons. Manuel Ugarte makes his Manchester United debut 🔴 pic.twitter.com/UgW2I3rDRs — B/R Football (@brfootball) September 14, 2024The Montevideo native put pen to paper on a five-year deal in M16, which is now poised to be torn up after only 48 months.
The Athletic: ‘Excellent’ midfielder says his ‘main goal’ is to play for Man United – ‘everyone wants to’
Toby Collyer has outlined his desire to earn a spot in Manchester United’s first team.The midfield prospect has overseen two separate loan spells this campaign, both of which have unfortunately ended prematurely due to lengthy injury layoffs.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYOriginally, Collyer joined West Bromwich Albion in August 2025 in hopes of gaining some invaluable senior experience in the Championship.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustHe went on to make 12 appearances for the club before it was cut short in November when he sustained a calf injury.However, even in the time the 22-year-old was fit and available, he made only three starts and featured for 253 minutes in total.How Collyer fared in the second half of 2025/2026After recovering from the setback over Christmas, Collyer then agreed to join Hull City on loan from the end of January until, ideally, the end of the term.The England U20 international, hailed as ‘excellent’ by Rio Ferdinand, played just five times for the Tigers, making one start and accumulating 104 minutes on the pitch.Then, in a training session around mid-April, he twisted his ankle in training after a coming together with goalkeeper Dillon Phillips, spelling the end of a successive lacklustre loan.Collyer voices hopes of staying at United Alas, it remains to be seen what United will choose to do with Collyer, whom they signed from Brighton and Hove Albion’s academy in 2022. With @ManUtd in the lead and minutes remaining, Toby Collyer did this… pic.twitter.com/wI1zSMTQlR — Premier League (@premierleague) January 29, 2025His contract at Old Trafford only runs until 2027, although the board would then have the option of extending his stay by an additional 12 months.Having earned 13 senior appearances since making his debut in August 2024, Collyer has set his sights on sticking around in M16 and proving himself.“Everyone wants to play for Manchester United,” the Carrington graduate told Andy Mitten, via The Athletic. “That’s my main goal, but if not, just playing in the Premier League as an established player.” Went to Hull to see Toby Collyer. Good head on young shoulders. Tough season with injuries.On MUFC, his life so far and the Tigers. Exclusive interview for @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/5zvQkSDUeU — Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) May 7, 2026
“Exceptional” – 22-yo midfielder tipped for first-team role reveals his Man Utd ‘role model’
Manchester United loaned-out midfielder Toby Collyer expressed his great admiration for Casemiro ahead of a potential return to Carrington.The 22-year-old is an academy product of Brighton, who joined the Red Devils’ youth ranks in 2022.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe Englishman was gradually brought into the first-team fold during Erik ten Hag’s reign at Carrington, earning a permanent promotion in the summer of 2024.Toby Collyer opens up on Casemiro’s unconditional supportCollyer didn’t see much playing time under the Dutch manager, but rose to prominence during Ruben Amorim’s first few months in charge.The young midfielder surprisingly overtook Casemiro in the pecking order between January and February 2025, before his momentum was interrupted by an injury.Want more Stretty News coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trustNevertheless, the Worthing native reveals how the Brazilian legend never dropped his guard or sulked, even at his darkest hour, but continued to act as a mentor for him and other younger players.“Casemiro was a big role model too, a player I looked up to,” said Collyer in his interview with The Athletic journalist Andy Mitten. “These past four years, being around him, just watching him and seeing the little things he does. First into training, ultra professional. “He’s always observing. People say he’s a warrior off the ball because he reads the game so well, but on the ball he’s exceptional as well with that one-touch around-the-corner pass. He leads by example.”“When Ruben (Amorim) first came in, he wasn’t having him one bit. I was playing over Caza. I was just focused on my football. I was still obviously speaking to Caza in training.”Casemiro then went on to enjoy a remarkable career revival under the Portuguese manager. Collyer certainly wasn’t surprised by the Brazilian’s exploits, revealing how his experienced teammate was already delivering on the training ground.“He was still training very well, and I think he’s a great example because people on the outside don’t see that. When he’s not playing, it’s easy for people to think, ‘Oh, he’s probably not doing well in training’. But he wasn’t. He was giving everything every day.”Collyer tipped to regain his first-team role at Man UtdWith Casemiro’s departure at the end of the season already confirmed, Man Utd will be aiming to sign two competent midfielders to fill in the growing gap in the middle of the park.Nevertheless, there should also be room for young players in the department, with the club seeking extra depth, especially following their return to the Champions League.A report from The Athletic earlier this week named Collyer among the Man Utd loanees who could join the first team next season. The other candidates for the role are Harry Amass and Radek Vitek.These players should be granted the opportunity to convince Michael Carrick (if he is confirmed as permanent manager) in pre-season and lock themselves a place in his plans. Collyer’s Stats by Club Appearances Goals Assists Man Utd 13 0 0 West Brom 12 0 1 Hull City 5 0 0 This season, Collyer started his campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion, but a mid-season injury saw him return to Carrington for rehab, before sealing another loan switch to Hull City.The box-to-box midfielder hasn’t always been a regular starter at either Championship club, but he has certainly accumulated important experience, which could come in handy next season.
