Manchester United have been accused of letting a player slip through their fingers this summer who has ‘outperformed Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte’. Despite Ruben Amorim’s warning that his club might struggle to conduct business, the summer transfer window was a hectic period for the Reds.
After solidifying the defence during the January window, United’s attack underwent a complete revamp. On the final day of the transfer window, United managed to secure Senne Lammens to strengthen their goalkeeping ranks to conclude a solid, if not spectacular, transfer window for the Reds. However, the midfield remained untouched. No significant players were brought into the heart of the pitch by the 13-time Premier League champions, but the team did manage to retain Kobbie Mainoo, despite his request for a loan move away from the club. Toby Collyer, however, did depart Old Trafford on loan.
Last season, Collyer filled in at times for the Reds. But it was decided by Amorim and United this summer that he would benefit from regular Championship football.
West Bromwich Albion were the fortunate club to secure the services of the 21-year-old, who has so far made three brief appearances for the Baggies after joining the club on loan.
Collyer is yet to start a match for West Brom but has helped his new team retain their unbeaten start to the season after featuring from the bench against Wrexham, Portsmouth and Stoke.
Speaking on What the EFL, former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke praised West Brom’s coup in securing Collyer by drawing comparisons with his more established Old Trafford colleagues.
“Toby Collyer got quite a lot of game time for Manchester United last season, albeit Manchester United’s midfield is pretty disastrous, but he is still better than the likes of Casemiro and Ugarte,” Clarke explained.
“[He was better] at times last season and now he is there on loan.”
Collyer was reportedly eager to remain at United this campaign and fight for his place in the first-team.
While he was overruled, United have utilised the Championship in the past as a platform for players who they think will have bright futures at Old Trafford.
Recently, Amad made a name for himself on loan at Sunderland before returning to the United squad with his reputation enhanced.