Manchester United put in the most complete performance of the pre-season so far in the 3-2 win over Real Betis.
The attack hummed with Jadon Sancho as a false nine, Amad stole the show and continued his rise into an established first-teamer, and Marcus Rashford’s potential injury was the only dampener on proceedings.
Erik ten Hag fielded arguably his strongest side for this one, with Harry Amass being the only academy player in the starting XI, that too only because Luke Shaw isn’t with the team.
Most of the youngsters came on in the second half but the way United saw the game off was a credit to them.
One player, in particular, showed again why he’s the man to save United nearly £60 million in the market, better off invested elsewhere.
In-house alternative could save United millions
United were widely expected to strengthen the base of midfield after securing a striker and a center-back in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro.
A right-back was also on the agenda if Aaron Wan-Bissaka leaves, with an agreement for Noussair Mazraoui close.
However, Leny Yoro’s injury has potentially thrown a spanner into United’s transfer window plans and they might need to strengthen that area instead.
If that’s the case, United will rest easy in the knowledge that they have an in-house solution for at least one problem position- defensive midfield, who is effectively a carbon copy in terms of the skill set of their transfer target for the position- Manuel Ugarte.
United have been incessantly linked to Ugarte but Paris Saint-Germain’s asking price of nearly £59 million for the Uruguayan has proved to be a barrier.
They have explored creative ways to get the deal done but even they would shrink if they splash on another center-back first.
Fortunately, in Toby Collyer, they have a player who replicated Manuel Ugarte’s playing style to a tee. We already talked earlier about how Collyer is fixing United’s biggest problem from last season- stopping transitions.
Against Betis, he came off the bench to provide energy to the midfield and continued his form that has many anointing him as the next breakout star from the academy.
Toby Collyer-Manuel Ugarte comparison
Of course, the two can’t be compared when it comes to pure talent and pedigree. One nearly won the Copa America while being the first name on the teamsheet for Uruguay while the other awaits his first full season of senior football.
However, in terms of playing style, they couldn’t be more similar. Ugarte fit United to a tee because they needed a screener in front of defense who is functional with the ball.
Collyer has shown with his positioning and work rate that he is exactly the type of player who can play alongside a more progressive midfielder in a pivot or as a single defensive midfielder behind two No. 8s.
He keeps it simple with his passing, his eye for a tackle belies his lack of experience, and his penchant for breaking up play, while being positionally disciplined was on full display vs Real Betis too.
Yoro’s injury might make it so that United pivot to making Matthijs de Ligt a priority again. In that case, they can rest easy knowing that Collyer and Casemiro can take United through this season by rotating between themselves as the No. 6.
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