Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has hinted that young midfielder Toby Collyer could play a significant role in Thursday’s Premier League game against Southampton.
The 21-year-old, who joined United from Brighton in 2022, made a rare first-team appearance during United’s FA Cup win over Arsenal, featuring for 39 minutes before the Red Devils triumphed on penalties.
So far, Collyer has made only four senior appearances, with just one in the Premier League—a September match against Liverpool.
Amorim expressed confidence in Collyer’s development, noting his strong performances in training. “Toby is training really well,” he stated during his pre-match press conference. “He’s quick, eager to improve, and offers another option for tomorrow.”
The manager emphasized the importance of the Southampton clash, suggesting it will reveal more about his squad than recent high-profile matches against Liverpool and Arsenal.
“This game will teach me more about my players than the last two,” Amorim explained. “In those games, no one expected us to win. Now, there’s an expectation to win and perform well.”
Under Amorim’s management, United have struggled for consistency at Old Trafford, suffering defeats to Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth, and Newcastle.
The manager acknowledged these challenges but stressed the need for focus. “We must approach Southampton as we did Arsenal and Liverpool—prepared and determined,” he said.
Amorim also addressed the pressure that comes with being the favorites. “This is the kind of pressure we need as a team,” he noted. “Against Arsenal and Liverpool, expectations were low. Now it’s different, and we have to handle that challenge.”
Thursday’s match presents an opportunity for United to bounce back and for Collyer to continue proving his potential under the spotlight.
