Following his debut in Sunday’s friendly defeat to Arsenal in California, Toby Collyer is eager for more chances to play for Manchester United.
Preseason play has seen the 20-year-old become a mainstay for Erik ten Hag‘s squad; he started against Rangers and the Gunners after beginning the first friendly against Rosenborg off the bench.
The 2022 arrival from Brighton, the midfielder is obviously making progress toward Ten Hag’s goals and is optimistic about future possibilities.
“Participating in the friendlies this summer has proven to be extremely valuable,” Collyer remarked.
That seems to be what everyone aspires to achieve. Everyone aspires to be a member of the starting squad. Thus, in my opinion, having experiences such as this at a stadium of this kind is excellent, and today’s opponent was undoubtedly excellent as well.
I’m taking things step by step and intend to have plenty more chances to demonstrate my abilities.
Rasmus Hojlund gave the Red Devils the lead, but Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli sealed the victory for Mikel Arteta‘s team in a 2-1 loss at Inglewood.
Collyer was happy enough with his own performance, which only lasted 45 minutes, but admitted it was hard work against the Gunners.
‘It was a tough game, but I thought we did well as a team,’ he said. ‘We did some good things, and [there are] some things to improve, but I thought we had the right attitude and we tried to do the best with what the manager was telling us to do.
‘Was I pleased with how I played? Yeah, I thought I had an okay game. I thought there was a lot of things I could have done better, but it’s great to experience a game like today and I can take it into the next game, and even into training tomorrow.’
The youngster has been especially pleased to line-up alongside Casemiro in the recent friendlies, learning as much as possible from the Brazilian.
;It’s so valuable [to play next to him],’ he said. ‘He’s one of the best ever in that position, so it’s great for someone like myself to learn off him, even just to watch him in training and have him next to me, always talking to me and helping me out, as well as the other lads as well. He’s a real leader in the team.’