Surprise player spotted in Man Utd training

Stuart Telford

• 18 Feb 2024 14:34 GMT
• 3 min read

Ralf Ragnick's only Manchester United signing looks set to make his debut after being spotted in first-team training for the Red Devils…

Rangnick only had one transfer window as Man Utd manager in the summer of 2021, and despite coveting the likes of Erling Haaland and Christopher Nkunku, was only able to bring England youth international Toby Collyer to the club from Brighton.

The young defensive midfielder was initially signed for the U21 side, but he has trained intermittently with the first team and has once again been promoted - alongside Ethan Williams - ahead of the meeting with Luton on Sunday.

"He plays like two men sometimes," former Brighton coach Mark Bear previously said of Collyer. "As defensive midfielders go - and it's quite a disciplined role - he's probably the best in the country at doing it."

Collyer chance

Collyer has gone from strength to strength since, making seven appearances for United's U21s this season and providing one assist from deep.

An extra body in midfield will help Erik ten Hag, with Mason Mount still injured and Sofyan Amrabat only recently returning from Africa Cup of Nations Duty, and neither have impressed when given the chance anyway.

Collyer could now push Kobbie Mainoo, Scott McTominay and Casemiro for the right to start in central midfield, although he is also adept at centre-back, where Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez might now be looking over their shoulder.

According to FootballTransfers' official data partner SciSports, Collyer has a potential skill rating of 71.4, putting him above Jonny Evans by that measure. He is currently valued at just €140,000 by our in-house algorithm, but that could soon skyrocket if he impresses in the first team.

Mainoo, Collyer, Williams and Co. cab hope for further inclusion once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's minority investment is complete, with the INEOS chief vocal about his desire to nourish academy talent.