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Manchester United produced an impressive performance in their FA Cup third round tie against Arsenal on Sunday, ultimately winning 5-3 on penalties despite playing with 10 men for over an hour.
Good work from Alejandro Garnacho gave Bruno Fernandes a brilliant opener, but things appeared to fall apart after Diogo Dalot’s second yellow.
The Gunners soon equalized and when a questionable penalty was awarded the team looked set to collapse under the pressure. Altay Bayindir emerged as an unlikely hero and it wasn’t long before Ruben Amorim was forced to make a change to keep the visitors in the game.
Toby Collyer appeared for the first time under new manager, and the academy graduate averaged every 6.5 minutes of defensive action without ever dribbling.
Collyer’s memorable cameo
He rushed forward to provide an exit at every turn and his diligence will impress the Portuguese tactician, who looks set to lose Casemiro in January this year.
Tony Collier averaged every 6.5 minutes of defensive action against Arsenal today and didn’t miss a single dribble.
A youth statement performance. 👏 pic.twitter.com/ty8yyZOCLz
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) January 12, 2025
The 21-year-old was expected to have a breakthrough season under Erik ten Hag as manager, making three appearances for the former Brighton academy star.
However, Ten Hag soon departed and, unfortunately, made his way to Collyer. He was wounded upon the Amorim’s arrival and had to wait for his chance.
There were rumors of an end to his loan with the Championship club, but as revealed by Manchester World, the academy star’s strong performance against Arsenal led to Amorim’s U-turn.
The manager now wants to keep Collier until the end of the season. This is especially true when options are shrinking and more opportunities are coming your way.
“Manchester United plan to keep Toby Collier at the club for the remainder of the season after considering the possibility of his loan ending this month.
Collier plans to stay
“The 21-year-old was handed a loan interest in the January transfer window but is set to remain part of Ruben Amorim’s squad after an impressive cameo in the weekend’s win over Arsenal.
“It was unclear where the former Brighton youngster would fit in under Ruben Amorim, but he has responded positively to the new manager and is expected to be given more opportunities in the coming weeks.
“His role could become even more important if Christian Eriksen or Casemiro leave the club this month, with both veterans expected to leave for Old Trafford this year.”
Collyer has impressed the coaches at Carrington with his impressive statistics, Amorim loves intensity and the youngster seems to fit the bill. Now he just has to get his head down and work hard so he can seize the next opportunity when it comes.
Featured Image Alex Pantling (Getty Images)
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