Erik ten Hag has shown great faith in youth so far as manager and many believe Toby Collyer could be the next breakthrough talent.
Manchester United signed Toby Collyer from Brighton’s academy in early 2022 and the defensive midfielder has had a low-key stint in the academy since.
Collyer did make the first team bench on a handful of occasions last season, but has not yet added his name to the list of 250 academy graduates.
Some fans have speculated Erik ten Hag has big plans for the youngster after the manager was spotted taking Collyer aside after the FA Cup Final, just like he did with Kobbie Mainoo in 2023.
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Toby Collyer signs new contract
A number of Manchester United youngsters have signed professional deals this week. Ethan Williams, Jack Kingdon, Jacob Devaney and Ashton Missin.
All four posted images to social media signing their contracts, either alone, or with their families.
Toby Collyer is the latest academy player to sign a new deal – and he signed it with Erik ten Hag alongside him.
Ten Hag presence speaks volumes
Toby Collyer is further along in his development than the aforementioned under-18s quartet, and this new deal is an extension to his previous contract.
United’s media confirms Collyer’s deal will run to 2027 with an option to 2028.
It is a huge vote of confidence, and Erik ten Hag’s presence makes clear he has signed off on it.
This week Ten Hag stated he wanted to find the next Kobbie Mainoo this pre-season. That is an incredibly tall order.
Yet it seems Collyer is a player we could see in action during pre-season, and he will be given a chance to show if he can make the step up to the first team.
Ten Hag’s mere presence at the contract announcement is a real statement, along with the length of the deal, and it seems clear he believes Collyer has something to offer.