BREAKING NEWS: this boy is incredibly talented, and I would love to have him in the Man City team because Ten Hag doesn’t know how to manage young talent. He impressed me a lot yesterday. Live from Old Trafford.

Inspired by their convincing victory over Rangers in their second preseason game, Manchester United heads out on the U.S. part of their preseason trip.

The tour has given young players and marginal players an opportunity to make an impression as players eventually return to the squad.

Manager Erik ten Hag is currently faced with a selection conundrum by these young talents, including players like Amad who were members of the first team but weren’t consistent starts.

Furthermore, young players with promise like Toby Collyer have compelling arguments for starting in the first squad. With his performances, defensive midfielder Toby Collyer, who is generally considered as United’s next big thing coming out of the academy, has certainly lived up to the hype.

Having played 45 minutes in two straight games against the Rangers, he is already taking care of one of Ten Hag’s main problems from the previous campaign. Ten Hag gave Collyer the captain’s armband for the second half of the match against Rosenborg, demonstrating his confidence in Collyer’s skills.

This confidence was strengthened even more against Rangers, as Collyer played a key role in what was effectively the starting lineup for the majority of the first half. Collyer was a ball-winning midfielder who anchored the midfield base, made the action easier to follow, and offered strong defensive cover in both games. He played disciplinedly against Rosenborg despite heavy pressure, always interfering with the opposition’s play.

On the other hand, Collyer adjusted to the situation against Rangers, when United controlled possession, making all 18 of his passes and demonstrating his ability to recover the ball. The disciplined and efficient performance of Collyer is already lessening United’s weakness in midfield transitions, which was a major problem during the previous campaign.

The team frequently found itself surrounded in midfield as opponents effortlessly broke through their defences. Casemiro’s defensive discipline came under scrutiny, as the midfield remained flimsy even with Sofyan Amrabat or Christian Eriksen in the game. Collyer’s presence provides an answer.

He consistently maintains his disciplined position, seldom moving forward needlessly, and regularly blocks opponents’ counterattacks by staying put. Although he might need to make more on-the-ball contributions to earn a regular first-team berth, United has been lacking exactly what his practical, no-nonsense attitude is. For a young player like Collyer, this season offers a fantastic chance to establish himself.

Ten Hag should be able to rotate the team during the Europa League group stage matches because United is a participant, which will provide Collyer plenty of opportunities to show off his skills. FA Cup matches and early-round Carabao Cup matches will also present more chances. Ten Hag seems to recognise Collyer’s aptitude and promise.

A midfield breakthrough is imminent with players like Casemiro and Eriksen maybe headed for retirement and strong interest in Scott McTominay. Should Manuel Ugarte join the team, Collyer would gain from having a coach that plays similarly to him. Collyer now needs to take advantage of this chance and make a name for himself in the starting lineup.

He just has to look at Kobbie Mainoo’s ascent as proof that a young player can succeed at Manchester United if they put in the necessary effort and performance.Toby Collyer has established himself as a possible answer to the midfield problems that beset Manchester United the previous season thanks to his outstanding performances during the team’s preseason tour of the United States.

Erik ten Hag, who notably awarded Collyer the captain’s armband for the second half against Rosenborg and prominently featured him in the lineup against Rangers, has come to trust his disciplined and successful play. Collyer’s recent performances have demonstrated his capacity to win the ball, anchor the midfield, and offer defensive protection. His potential is highlighted by his ability to adjust to various match scenarios and his reliable performance in holding possession and interfering with opponents’ play.

With interest in Scott McTominay and unclear futures for veterans like Casemiro and Eriksen, Collyer’s road to the first team is more obvious. Collyer can secure his spot in the team with chances in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Europa League. His methodical approach and the possibility of receiving coaching from a player such as Manuel Ugarte could help him develop even further.

Collyer’s rise presents a viable answer to United’s midfield weaknesses and a positive sign of things to come for the club’s young players.