Erik ten Hag is already looking for the next Kobbie Mainoo at Manchester United and it seems like there is a real contender.
Kobbie Mainoo has taken the footballing world by storm and it’s crazy to think that just a year ago, he was only beginning to make waves during pre-season.
Now, he’s arguably the first name on the team sheet for Manchester United and Erik ten Hag and is also about to start in midfield for England during the Euro 2024 final.
Mainoo was just the latest in a long line of academy stars, following Alejandro Garnacho’s example from a season earlier.
But who will be the next United academy player to become a regular for Ten Hag? According to reports, the manager already has one player in mind and that is Toby Collyer.
How Erik ten Hag feels about Toby Collyer
20-year-old Manchester United gem Toby Collyer has been a name who has seemed to be in Ten Hag’s plans over the past few months.
Ten Hag shared a moment with him after the FA Cup final win, and he was also called into several matchday squads toward the end of last season.
Now, amid pre-season where he could have the chance to feature, Collyer has been handed a new contract. This indicates he’s highly thought of, but also Ten Hag’s presence at the announcement spoke volumes.
After this, it was reported by the Manchester Evening News that Ten Hag had insisted on attending the signing because he “really likes” Collyer – previously he’d only attended contract signings of Garnacho and Mainoo from the youth team.
Continuing, Collyer’s personality and professionalism have impressed the United coaching staff which bodes well for him this coming season.
Toby Collyer in line for debut first-team appearance during pre-season
Collyer seems set to be given a chance in pre-season and is clearly being prepared for a role in the first team this coming season – all being well.
Due to this and Ten Hag clearly being a fan, we wouldn’t be surprised to see him start against Rosenborg this coming Monday.
Amid all the excitement over Mainoo, people have forgotten that Collyer was at a time the best defensive midfield prospect in the country.
Ten Hag hasn’t forgotten and clearly is determined to bring Collyer into the fold this season.