Manchester United midfielder misses training due to injury blow

Manchester United have a long history of nurturing young talent, and the pathway from academy to first team remains a cornerstone of the club’s philosophy.

The Red Devils continue to invest in promising players, often loaning them out to gain crucial experience in competitive environments.

The Championship has become a key proving ground for many Manchester United loanees.

With Ruben Amorim’s tactical system demanding versatility and intensity, the performance of these emerging talents can be critical to United’s long-term plans.

Exposure to senior football at this stage often shapes the trajectory of their careers, providing invaluable lessons both on and off the pitch.

That development pathway currently includes Toby Collyer, the Manchester United loanee at West Brom, who is currently absent from training as he recovers from a muscle injury.

The 21-year-old had been attracting attention over the summer, with permanent and loan interest from more than a dozen Championship clubs, but West Brom ultimately secured his signature.

Former Tottenham midfielder Ryan Mason, who is in charge at West Brom, has acknowledged Collyer’s potential and the importance of making him feel valued.

“Toby’s a young player, but we know we’re going to need him and he’s going to help us.

“I’ve wanted Toby for a few weeks now. He’s someone that I really believe in, which is important and I have that belief in all of my players,” Mason told the Express & Star.

He added: “But when you go on loan to somewhere, I think you need to feel like you’re wanted from the club and the manager and he certainly is that.

“Hopefully we can help him because if we help him improve and grow as a player, then it’s certainly going to be beneficial to us.

“I think there’s loads of room and loads of growth to develop. That’s certainly going to happen on the training pitch.

“The reality is the game is the best teacher.

“The more game exposure you can get, the better, especially at a young age.

“I’m sure and I expect that Toby knows that I believe in him, which for me is super important.

“I’m going to put a lot of energy, the same amount of energy that I’ve put into him as every other one of my players, to help them grow and improve.”

Mason also highlighted Collyer’s attitude: “He’s a good kid, humble, wants to work, wants to be part of it.

“You can feel that as soon as you speak to him.

“He wants to play football, loves football and that’s super important.

“We want those types of people in the building who want to work and be part of something.”

Toby Collyer made 13 first-team appearances for Manchester United in his breakthrough 2024/25 season, and his contract with the club runs until the summer of 2027, with an option for a further year.

His development at West Brom will be closely monitored by United as they continue to plan the long-term future of their squad.