Toby Collyer set for Manchester United exit after being cleared to leave

Manchester United midfielder Toby Collyer has been told he can leave the club permanently this summer, according to reports. The 22-year-old, who has made 13 first-team appearances since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion's academy in 2022, is expected to move on before the transfer window closes on 1 September. Collyer spent the first half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, making 12 appearances, before being recalled in January. He then joined Hull City, where he managed only five appearances as the Tigers sealed promotion to the Premier League. Collyer, a former England U20 international, was left out of United's matchday squad for the pre-season friendly against Atletico Madrid and instead lined up for the Under-21s against Altrincham Town. Reports say academy midfielder Tyler Fletcher has moved above him in the pecking order at Old Trafford, and with Collyer's contract running to 2027, United are ready to sell. Several Championship clubs are interested. Michael Carrick's decision to let Collyer go looks bold given how thin the midfield currently is. United have signed Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans this summer, but Casemiro left on a Bosman deal and Manuel Ugarte is expected to spend most of the season on the sidelines after sustaining an ACL injury at the World Cup. That leaves Santos, Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo as the only senior central midfielders, with Mason Mount also able to play deeper and Fletcher pushing for a more prominent role. Dan Gore is expected to be sold as well, while academy players Chido Obi and Jacob Devaney are likely to be loaned out. United still want another midfielder before deadline day, but allowing Collyer to leave could prove costly if that signing does not happen.