Toby Collyer could be set for Championship play-off football with Hull City, but the Manchester United loanee has broader ambitions throughout his career.
It feels like a long time since Erik ten Hag treated Toby Collyer as a future Manchester United great, as the former Brighton man promised to follow in Kobbie Mainoo’s footsteps.
United signed Collyer as one of England’s best young midfielders in his age group, but injuries have meant that he’s never quite reached this level.
After a breakthrough in 2024/25, Collyer has been out on loan this season. Now, he’s outlined the ambitions he has for his career.
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Toby Collyer outlines his dream outcome for his career
Collyer has been at both West Brom and Hull City in the Championship on loan this season, and while injury has struck again, his performance levels have been seriously good.
Now, speaking with The Athletic’s Andy Mitten, Collyer has explained that his ultimate goal is to play in the Premier League, whether that be at Old Trafford or not.
“Everyone wants to play for Man United. That’s my main goal,” Collyer explained.
“But if not, just be playing in the Premier League as an established player.”
Collyer has impressed at the highest level, which proves he is good enough to be playing Premier League football.
It might even arrive on a regular basis quicker than he could have imagined.
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For Collyer, this summer represents a crossroads in his career, which will either leave him as a bona fide option for United in the midfield or on loan to a level above the Championship.
United are planning to promote from the academy this summer to bolster a midfield revamp, and while Jim Thwaites and Jacob Devaney appear the more likely, Collyer would be the more experienced.
But if Collyer’s future isn’t at United, he still has a strong chance of making a Premier League impact next season.
Hull want to extend their Collyer loan, which, if they are in the Premier League after winning the play-offs, could be perfect for the midfielder.
Alternatively, there will be a market for Collyer at the lower end of the Premier League, with the only caveat preventing this being his fitness.
Collyer is ready to be a Premier League footballer; he just needs to stay injury-free.
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