Collyer eyes first-team role at United as Casemiro's departure opens midfield door

Casemiro’s departure from Manchester United has created a vacancy in midfield that Toby Collyer is hoping to fill, with the 21-year-old returning from a loan spell in the Championship that took him to West Brom and Hull City.

Collyer was present at United’s final Premier League fixture of the season against Brighton, watching from the away end as Casemiro had already left for Madrid having made his last appearance for the club a week earlier against Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian’s exit ends a chapter at Old Trafford and, for Collyer, signals a potential opening.

It was not so long ago that Collyer appeared to be the heir apparent. When Casemiro was substituted at half-time against Liverpool in September 2024 — a change manager Erik ten Hag described as tactical — Collyer came on for his Premier League debut in what felt like a symbolic handover. Liverpool won 3-0, but Collyer’s individual numbers were encouraging: three tackles won, three recoveries, seven duels won, and a 100 per cent dribble completion rate.

Ten Hag was sacked a month later, and the changing of the guard Collyer had hoped for did not materialise. Under Ruben Amorim, he featured in the Europa League against Rangers and made a crucial goal-line clearance in a 1-0 win over Fulham, but was ultimately deemed surplus to requirements for the loan market.

More than a dozen Championship clubs enquired about Collyer’s availability, and he chose West Brom, who were targeting a play-off push under Ryan Mason. A mid-season move to Hull City followed.

Amorim has spoken positively about Collyer’s qualities. “He has very good legs, he’s improving with the ball. He knows what he needs to do to play for this club and feels the club in the right way. He’s really humble and when you work hard, you get the opportunity,” the United head coach said.

With Casemiro gone and United back in the Champions League, the fixture list next season will be significantly heavier — a factor that could work in Collyer’s favour as Amorim looks to manage a larger squad across multiple competitions.