Toby Collyer is now recognised as a Manchester United first team player after joining the club’s established academy in 2022.
It has been three years since Toby Collyer joined Manchester United’s Academy from Brighton.
Collyer had been proving his worth at youth level having captained England on the international stage, but he has since moved on by becoming a senior professional.
The 21-year-old has made nine appearances for United’s first-team this season, after making his competitive debut during the 2024 FA Community Shield against Manchester City.
Collyer made his Premier League debut weeks later, coming on as a half-time substitute for Casemiro in a 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at Old Trafford.
After being ruled out of action with a knock in recent weeks, Collyer has not featured for Ruben Amorim’s side since the 1-0 win over Fulham. The 251st United academy graduate is also waiting to make his first start for the Red Devils.
Toby Collyer inspired by Darren Fletcher
Darren Fletcher was an incredible professional as a player and it is of great benefit that he is still involved with United’s first team as a coach.
The former Scotland international graduated from United’s academy to make 342 senior appearances in total for the Reds, with all bar 30 of these coming under Sir Alex Ferguson.
So, in terms of being a role model for future generations of Manchester United stars, Fletcher certainly fits the bill.
Collyer has been looking back to his introduction to life at United and he recalled how Fletcher welcomed him on his first day.
“I signed and I remember I saw Darren Fletcher,” Collyer said in the Fulham edition of United Review (via ManUtd.com). “He came and spoke to me, which was obviously a big thing, because he’s a player who I’d say I play like.
“So to see him come and speak to me gave me great confidence and the belief that I could achieve things at this club.”
From playing with other United first-team members and working under coaches like Amorim and Fletcher, Collyer is going to gain a lot of experience that will stand him in good stead for the future.
Collyer revealed that he models his game on Fletcher and speaks to the Scot regularly.
“I think it’s important to know things about the club,” Collyer added.
“With Fletcher, I think, with my game, it’s quite similar to his and I think that’s why it’s great for him to be around, from my perspective.
“I can learn from him, always speak to him and get his opinion on things.”
Story behind Collyer making United’s matchday squad
Fletcher was involved in informing Collyer that he’d been picked for a matchday squad by former manager Erik ten Hag for the first time.
Their relationship has since grown now that Collyer is closing in on his 10th senior appearance for the club.
Fletcher called Collyer a year ago to let him know that he was named on a youthful bench for a Premier League fixture against Fulham.
“I remember Fletch rang me and said ‘you’ve made the squad, congrats’.
“I just remember being really happy – I called my dad and mum and shared that with them. I was buzzing and it ws a great experience going to the stadium, being in the changing room.
“My first proper experience being around it, for a big game, and yeah, I think with experience like that, you can keep building on it and you’re only going to get better.”
Collyer will be hoping to make another appearance for United when the Reds host Fulham in the FA Cup this evening, but it remains to be seen if he will be recovered from his recent knock.
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