‘Best in the country’ – All you need to know about Man Utd’s Toby Collyer

Manchester United have made their first signing of 2022, snapping up 18-year-old Toby Collyer from Brighton’s academy.

United have invested a lot of money into their academy in recent years, signing talented young players like Alejandro Garnacho, Isak Hansen-Aaroen and Charlie McNeill.

We’ve brought you the lowdown on Collyer, who has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at United. 

Born in Worthing in January 2004, Collyer joined Brighton’s academy at Under-12 level and made his Under-18s debut when he was just 15-years-old.

He went from strength to strength after that six-minute cameo in 2019, establishing himself as a key player in 2020-21 as Albion finished third in Premier League South and won the Premier League Under-17s Cup.

He even made his Under-23s debut just a week after his 17th birthday, playing the full 90 minutes against Tottenham in January 2021.

After Collyer failed to agree terms on a new contract with the Seagulls, he found himself out of the side and made just one appearance for their youth sides this season.

But he then had a trial stint with United and played for the Under-23s in a friendly match against Huddersfield Town, where he reportedly impressed the onlooking coaches with an eye-catching display.

Chelsea and West Ham United were also said to be keen on signing Collyer before the Red Devils acted on their interest and completed the deal.

The teenager has captained England’s Under-16s and Under-17s and has also played for the national team at Under-19 level.

Justin Cochrane, United’s head of first-team development, reportedly played a significant role in completing the deal as he worked with Collyer at the England underage set-up.

BOOM Official Toby Collyer has completed his move to Manchester