'One of the best ever' - Toby Collyer praises Man United teammate and makes training admission

Toby Collyer described Casemiro as 'one of the best' defensive midfielders to ever play the game after Manchester United's defeat to Arsenal.

United lost 2-1 to their Premier League rivals in Los Angeles. Rasmus Hojlund put the Reds ahead with a well-taken goal before being taken off because of an injury just minutes later. The Gunners hit back through Gabriel Jesus and then secured the win thanks to Gabriel Martinelli's second-half strike.

Collyer started in midfield alongside Casemiro before the pair were withdrawn at half-time as Erik ten Hag changed all 10 outfield players. The youngster was asked by MUTV after the game how valuable he had found working alongside the Brazilian, to which he replied: "It’s so valuable, he’s one of the best ever in that position, it’s great for someone like myself to learn from him.

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"Even just to watch him in training and have him next to me, talking to me and always helping me out, as well as the other lads. He’s a real leader in the team."

MEN Sport understands Collyer is not one of the players Ten Hag is prepared to sanction a loan exit for this summer. The youngster featured in all of United's three pre-season games so far and he is thoroughly enjoying the first-team experience.

"I thought I had an okay game [against Arsenal]. There were 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."