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Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick, Premier League
Daniel Marland
Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Ralf Rangnick, Premier League
Erik ten Hag has made a big decision on the future of Man Utd midfielder Toby Collyer - the only man signed by previous manager Ralf Rangnick.
While interim manager in the 2021/2022 season, Rangnick likened a rebuild of United's sporting structure to 'open-heart surgery.'
The 66-year-old knew changes were needed and presented the Red Devils' recruitment department with a long list of signings full of recognisable names.
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He told German outlet BILD that he had discussed six players, including Christopher Nkunku, Luis Diaz, and Erling Haaland.
United decided to discard all of Rangnick's suggestions and backed Ten Hag the following summer.
Rangnick did manage to get one body through the door during his ill-fated spell in the Old Trafford dugout.
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England youth international Collyer joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in March 2022, later being assigned to the club's U21s.
Collyer's progression over the last two years has impressed everyone at the club, including Ten Hag.
He was spotted in deep conversation with Collyer following last season's FA Cup win over Manchester City.
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Supporters pointed out it was similar to what Ten Hag had done with Kobbie Mainoo after a Carabao Cup final triumph over Newcastle United at Wembley the year prior.
Collyer signed a new contract with United earlier this month. Per Manchester World, the 20-year-old will now receive first-team opportunities during the next campaign. He's also unavailable on loan, unlike several other youngsters at Carrington.
Following Saturday's 2-0 win over Rangers in a pre-season friendly, Ten Hag told reporters: "You know me, I always want to make pathways for young players, but they have to earn it.
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"He's now earned an opportunity. Today, he was in the starting XI, that's something, and we will see how we can progress. We saw last year with [Alejandro] Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo what can happen, so the pathway is also open for other players and Toby is there in fourth."
Collyer will likely be part of United's pre-season tour of the United States. Their first game is against Arsenal in the early hours of Sunday morning.