Manchester United youngster Toby Collyer came off the bench to make his first team debut in the Community Shield.
From the very first game of pre-season, Toby Collyer stood out as a talent to pay attention to ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Collyer has impressed over the past month and it was not a surprise to see him rewarded by making his debut in the Community Shield.
The 20-year-old came off the bench in the second half at Wembley as United came agonisingly close to defeating rivals City, edged out on sudden death penalties.
Toby Collyer celebrates debut
Erik ten Hag has given debuts to seven Manchester United academy players, with Toby Collyer adding his name to the prestigious list of 250 academy graduates, becoming number 251.
Collyer was pleased to make his debut in the season-opener at Wembley, and posted a message reflecting his happiness.
He wrote: “Despite the result, proud to make my professional debut for this club! Hopefully there’s more to come.”
Toby Collyer was inundated with responses from his Manchester United academy teammates, including established first team star Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo left a ‘heart’ in response to Collyer, as also did recently departed youngsters Shola Shoretire and Willy Kambwala, not pictured in the screenshot below.
Collyer played important role
Toby Collyer played an important role in Manchester United’s goal against Manchester City, scored by Alejandro Garnacho, a former FA Youth Cup winner.
Collyer helped win the ball back inside United’s half, before the team sprung a quick counter-attack, with Bruno Fernandes assisting Garnacho.
Collyer was crisp with his passing, completing 13 of 14 attempts during his 30 minutes on the pitch, making 17 touches in total.
He won three of three duels contested, and two of three tackles.
It was an encouraging display for the youngster, who is pushing to demonstrate he should stay and play a role in the first team this season, rather than being sent out on loan.
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