Man Utd fans think 'unreal talent' could partner Kobbie Mainoo for years to come after performance vs. Arsenal

One of the biggest talents in Manchester United's youth system has made a serious impression in their pre-season campaign – and fans are desperate to see more.

Toby Collyer, who joined United from Brighton & Hove Albion in 2022, made the first-team bench for seven Premier League games last season after impressing manager Erik ten Hag.

The 20-year-old midfielder was rewarded with a place in the club's 29-man squad for their upcoming pre-season tour of the USA.

So far this summer, the youngster has shown real promise in games against Rosenborg, Rangers and Arsenal.

In fact, Ten Hag is planning to give Collyer a chance in the first-team this season, according to Manchester World, as he continues to look at home alongside the likes of Casemiro.

“I always want to make pathways for young players, but they have to earn it,” Ten Hag said after their 2-0 win over Rangers. “He [Collyer] has now earned an opportunity."

Ten Hag, who gave Collyer the captain’s armband for the second half of their pre-season clash against Rosenborg earlier this month, is not the only admirer of the composed central midfielder.

After impressing in Saturday's pre-season defeat to Arsenal, many fans took to social media to praise his performance against Mikel Arteta's side.

One fan said: "You can tell why Ten Hag is so obsessed with Toby Collyer though can’t you? Unreal prospect," while another commented: "He was instrumental in the midfield."

A third wrote: "We will see plenty of him this season I think. Gets really stuck in and will be a good asset in games where we need legs."

A fourth said: "Toby Collyer, I’m standing up and applauding at this performance," and a fifth added: "Don’t be surprised if Toby Collyer sees a lot of gametime this season because this kid is going straight to the very top."

Speaking after the Arsenal game, Collyer opened up about his pre-season so far.

"It's really, really, really valuable," he told MUTV when discussing his first experience of an overseas tour with the first team.

"I think that's what everyone wants to do. Everyone wants to be able to play in the first team. So I think getting experiences like this in a stadium like this as well, it's the top level, and obviously the opposition [was top level] as well today.

"So I'm taking everything step by step and hopefully I'll get many more opportunities to show what I can do."

The 20-year-old also praised midfield partner Casemiro, adding: "It's so valuable [to play next to him].

"He's one of the best ever in that position, so it's great for someone like myself to learn off him, even just to watch him in training and have him next to me, always talking to me and helping me out, as well as the other lads as well. He's a real leader in the team."