Official: “This is a great opportunity”: United agree deal for 21yo midfielder to earn regular minutes

Manchester United are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements, with Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion identified as the perfect option.

Ruben Amorim lacks quality in the middle of the park, with Manuel Ugarte struggling while Casemiro does not have the legs to operate week in, week out.

It is unlikely that INEOS can pull off the deal for the Cameroonian given the costs involved, and ideally, Amorim needs all hands on deck.

But rather surprisingly, they have still decided to loan out Toby Collyer with the club officially announcing the 21-year-old has joined West Bromwich Albion for the upcoming season.

Collyer to West Brom

There was plenty of interest from other Championships clubs, like Hull City and Sheffield Wednesday, but it was West Brom boss Ryan Mason who tipped the scales in the Baggies’ favour.

“I spoke with the gaffer Ryan Mason and I got a really good first impression from him,” Collyer told the official West Brom website.

“Albion seems like the right place and the right environment for me and I’m hoping to play as much as possible.

“This is a great opportunity for me to help the team and take my game to the next level, which I’m really excited about.”

What will Amorim do now

The England U20 international enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last term, eventually making 13 first-team appearances in all competitions.

Former manager Erik ten Hag was a huge fan, but Amorim seems to have deemed the ex-Brighton academy ace not good enough and hence the loan.

This might indicate the 20-time English league champions are guaranteed to bring in a new midfielder before the summer window slams shut.

If not Baleba, the Old Trafford side have alternatives like Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, and Mateus Fernandes of Southampton lined up.

Feature image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

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