Manchester United’s young players have been training with the first team over the international break to help bolster the numbers.
But even with Raphael Varane, Tyrell Malacia and Scott McTominay returning to Carrington on Tuesday, there was still plenty of opportunity for the under-21 players to get involved.
One of these was young midfielder Toby Collyer, a defensive midfielder signed from Brighton earlier this year.
Little has been seen of Collyer since joining, he hasn’t played a minute for the under-21s yet this season, although has been on the bench for the last two games.
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Toby Collyer pictured in Manchester United training
Collyer did play an under-18s game for United at the end of last season, but he is looking for his first action this campaign.
Getting the chance to train among first team players like Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane will have been a huge boost for him.
United’s under-21 side are in action in the EFL Trophy against Barrow next Tuesday and Collyer has a chance to be involved.
Zidane Iqbal’s new haircut
Another player training with the first team was Zidane Iqbal, who has done so regularly this season. But he looked totally different.
Iqbal appeared almost unrecognisable after shaving off his flowing haircut which he has displayed throughout his time with United’s academy and recently in pre-season.
Iqbal featured on the bench in the Europa League and he will likely get his opportunity against Omonia in one of the two upcoming ties.
He starred in pre-season and The MEN reported last week he is regarded as a senior player by Erik ten Hag, amid his regular role working with the squad.
The 19-year-old has represented Iraq at international level but requested permission to sit out this international break to focus on breaking through at United. [MEN]
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