With no European football next season, Manchester United will play far fewer games, which means academy graduates could see a reduction in minutes.
Ruben Amorim has already indicated that he wants a leaner squad, and INEOS are not only focusing on first team recruitment but are preparing a plan for the next crop of academy wonderkids.
The head coach is likely to take a few along with the first team during the club’s pre-season tour of the United States, including Toby Collyer.
The defensive midfielder made his breakthrough under Erik ten Hag, but injuries meant he had to wait for his chance under the Portuguese.
Collyer’s breakthrough last season
When eventually called upon, the 21-year-old impressed with his work-rate off the ball, with his goal-line clearance against Fulham in the dying embers of the game garnering him a lot of praise.
“I’m so happy because of this guy, a big example for the younger generation, working so hard every day and so humble,” was how World Cup winner, Lisandro Martinez described his younger teammate.
He managed 13 appearances last season, and the number could have been a lot more if not for a succession of injuries in the second half of the campaign.
With Manuel Ugarte struggling, Casemiro not getting any younger and Christian Eriksen no longer there at the club, Toby Collyer should naturally see more minutes next term.
But The Athletic have a different take on his future, claiming that the club is mulling over loaning him out while a sale is also not out of the question.
If INEOS cannot bring in suitable midfield reinforcements this window, then the ex-Brighton academy starlet could yet remain at Old Trafford.
“Toby Collyer is another who may need more minutes than he can realistically expect at United in the coming season, having risen to prominence and established himself as a first-team squad member during last summer’s tour.
Could even be sold
“Collyer, who turned 21 on January 3, can still just about be considered a youngster — had he been born three days earlier, he would not meet the Premier League’s definition of an under-21 player this season.
“Options remain open as to whether he will stay, be sold or leave on loan.”
Even though he arrived from Brighton when he was 18, he is considered a homegrown product, which means his sale is going to count as pure profit.
Which explains why a sale is even being considered, especially keeping in mind INEOS’ budgetary constraints. A lot will depend on the club’s transfer business. If he does not see minutes, a loan might be the best option.
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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
