Manchester United’s sale of Scott McTominay can probably go down as one of the club’s biggest regrets, but they should repeat that move this summer with another academy youngster.
Even the wildest expectations have been exceeded by Scott McTominay away from the glare of Old Trafford, which doesn’t reflect well on Man Utd.
To make matters worse, Manuel Ugarte was signed to effectively replace him, and we all know how that move has gone.
On paper, it’s not a mistake Man Utd would want to repeat, but that’s exactly what they should do this summer because it won’t be nearly as costly this time.
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Man Utd must sell Toby Collyer
It feels like another era when you tell someone that Toby Collyer used to start for the Man Utd first XI ahead of Casemiro.
Go even further back, and Erik ten Hag’s private conversation with Collyer after winning the FA Cup went viral and drew comparisons to Kobbie Mainoo.
Collyer is a player who was described as “freakish” and drew public praise from Ruben Amorim, who was infamous for keeping players’ feet on the ground.
However, his setback has been as quick as his rise, unfortunately, through no fault of his own.
While McTominay was misprofiled and showed glimpses of the player he eventually became at Napoli, Collyer’s career is drifting due to injuries.
Two different loan spells this season have flattered to deceive as he just can’t stay fit, which means United must look to offload him this summer.
He won’t fetch anywhere near as much as McTominay did, who is looking like a steal now, but this could be the last summer when United can actually get someone to pay for Collyer.
Being so injury-prone means his value will only go further down, so United would be wise to cut their losses and make whatever “pure profit” they can on his sale.
Barring an exceptional comeback, it’s almost a guarantee that this sale won’t cause the club nearly as much regret as McTominay’s sale did.
Collyer is a cautionary tale for youth development
There are no doubts about Collyer’s professionalism and talent, but the way his career has drifted is a cautionary tale for youth development.
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Players can often get built up to this mythical level, but youth development is never linear and not always upwards.
Setbacks are a part of the journey, and some setbacks are entirely out of a player’s control, like Collyer’s injury worries since his breakthrough.
Unfortunately, Collyer broke through a bit later than most, so he was already in a race against time, one which he increasingly looks like losing.
However, that doesn’t mean he can’t go on to flourish elsewhere, because that’s what Man Utd fans wish for most academy graduates who go elsewhere.
Collyer’s time at United had some true highs and frustrating lows, but it’s time to cut the cord.
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