Manchester United’s transfer plans could be impacted by a key game on Saturday
Michael Carrick is set for a busy summer at Manchester United(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Championship play-off final could decide midfielder Toby Collyer’s future. The Manchester United prospect has spent the second half of the season on loan at Hull City, who are set to face Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The showpiece battle for Premier League promotion has already dominated headlines. Southampton were expelled from the match due to Spygate and replaced by Boro on Tuesday.
Hull, who defeated Millwall in the play-off semi-finals, will hope to overcome their new opponents and return to the top-flight for the first time since 2017. If the Tigers reach the Premier League, Hull may wish to extend United loanee Collyer’s time at the club.
Get MEN Premium now for just £1 HERE – or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking HERE. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking HERE and don’t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters HERE.
United have already confirmed two exits ahead of the transfer window as manager Michael Carrick prepares for a busy summer. Casemiro is set to leave the club at the end of his contract, while Rasmus Hojlund’s spell at Napoli has been made permanent after the Italian side qualified for the Champions League.
It has been a frustrating campaign for Collyer, who was recalled from an earlier injury-hit loan spell at West Bromwich Albion in January. The 22-year-old has since made five appearances for Hull but has been sidelined since April after picking up an injury in training.
Collyer left United in search of regular game time. While fitness issues have prevented him from achieving that this term, joining a newly-promoted Hull would allow the defensive midfielder to fulfil a major ambition.
“Everyone wants to play for Man United. That’s my main goal,” Collyer said to The Athletic. “But if not, just be playing in the Premier League as an established player.”
Toby Collyer will be hoping Hull City win the play-off final(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
A play-off final win for Hull would take Collyer a step closer to that dream, whether through a permanent move or a second loan deal. The Championship side showed their admiration for the United academy graduate by swooping in after he was recalled from West Brom.
On his decision to join Hull, Collyer said: “It was a no-brainer. Hull showed interest in the summer and I had to make a tough decision to say no. I felt they really wanted me by coming back.”
Collyer made 13 appearances for United last season but decided to gain experience elsewhere. While he has not had the game time he would have envisioned in the Championship, the United loanee made a positive impression in his last outing against Coventry City.
“He showed that he’s a Man United player,” Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic said. “This is his first start in many months. It was a great moment to put him in, and he can now show he is a player with great potential and talent.”
Hull are one game away from the Premier League and will need to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window if they triumph at Wembley. Signing Collyer as a top-flight club would allow the midfielder to prove himself to the Tigers on an even bigger stage.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.