'He's earned it' - Erik ten Hag praises hidden gem in Manchester United pre-season squad

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United youngster Toby Collyer has 'earned' his opportunity to get first-team minutes.

Collyer was given the captain's armband in the second half of the opening pre-season clash against Rosenborg and he started against Rangers this weekend.

The midfielder started alongside Casemiro and Mason Mount and is set to be included in the travelling squad for the upcoming pre-season tour of the United States.

Earlier this month, Collyer signed a new contract with United until 2027 and Ten Hag insisted on attending his signing ceremony at Carrington. The Dutchman was also spotted deep in conversation with Collyer after the FA Cup final and is understood to 'really like' him.

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Ten Hag took time to speak to a handful of Manchester-based reporters after Saturday's friendly victory over Rangers and he was asked for his opinion on Collyer. "You know me, I always want to make pathways for young players but they have to earn it," said Ten Hag.

"He's now earned an opportunity. Today he was in the starting XI, that's something, and we 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."

It's believed Ten Hag was suggesting Collyer would be the 'fourth' academy player to contribute to the first-team squad after Garnacho, Mainoo and Willy Kambwala.

Ten Hag has overseen the development of Garnacho and Mainoo and both youngsters are now established first-team players. They both scored in the 2-1 victory in the FA Cup final over Manchester City at