Hull City join race for Manchester United midfielder

Manchester United’s disappointing start to the new Premier League season continued on Saturday as they suffered a shock defeat against newly-promoted Hull City.

Michael Carrick’s side travelled to the MKM Stadium hoping to begin with three points, but instead fell to a 2-0 loss against the Tigers.

Goals from centre-backs Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy secured victory for Hull, who were playing their first top-flight fixture in nine years following last season’s promotion.

United dominated possession and created more opportunities, but Hull defended with discipline and punished the visitors from set-pieces to record their first league victory over the Red Devils since 1974.

Just days after inflicting a damaging defeat on Carrick’s team, Hull have now reportedly entered the race to sign United midfielder Toby Collyer before the transfer window closes.

Ben Jacobs has reported that the Tigers have joined the pursuit of the 22-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at the MKM Stadium.

The journalist adds that West Bromwich Albion have also held talks, while United would prefer to sanction a permanent departure.

Collyer had previously appeared destined to establish himself in the senior squad at Old Trafford after making 13 first-team appearances during the 2024/25 campaign.

He earned praise for his energy and defensive instincts, with performances against Rangers and Fulham offering particularly encouraging signs.

However, the midfielder struggled to build upon that breakthrough last season.

Collyer initially joined West Brom on loan, making 12 appearances before a calf injury brought his spell at The Hawthorns to an early end.

He subsequently moved to Hull in January after recovering, although his involvement was limited to five appearances during their promotion-winning campaign.

Despite that restricted game time, the Tigers were linked with bringing him back earlier this summer.

West Brom then emerged as a potential destination again, with the Championship club opening discussions over a permanent reunion.

Hull’s entry into the race could now provide Collyer with the opportunity to remain in the Premier League and work under Sergej Jakirovic once more.

The summer arrivals of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have pushed Collyer further down the midfield hierarchy at United, while his contract expires next year.

A permanent sale would therefore allow United to secure a fee rather than risk losing him for nothing, although the club should protect itself with a sell-on clause in case the academy graduate fulfils his earlier promise elsewhere.