Manchester United have several key players missing through injury and the African Cup of Nations so have made a key call heading into the January transfer market
Manchester United have made the decision to recall Toby Collyer from his loan spell with Championship side West Bromwich Albion after an injury setback. The 21-year-old made 12 appearances for the Baggies, notching one assist in just 253 minutes worth of football, and has struggled in the second tier.
The Athletic claims he’s returned to Carrington for treatment on a calf injury that has kept him out of the West Brom squad recently. It’s another setback for United, who have just lost midfield playmaker Bruno Fernandes for a spell after picking up a hamstring injury in the defeat to Aston Villa.
The Portuguese star could be out for around a month with Ruben Amorim unwilling to put a timeframe on his recover. Speaking at his pre-match press conference he said: “Not for this game. They are recovering.
“I don’t think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno. I don’t want to say [how long for Bruno]. I have an idea, of course, but let’s see.”
Amorim’s squad is currently lacking in depth, given injuries, suspensions, and players being away on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are representing their respective countries in Morocco, while Casemiro is suspended, having picked up five yellow cards.
Kobbie Mainoo was in line to start for United in the defeat at Villa Park, but injury ruled him out of the game, while Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt are continuing their injury rehabilitation.
Mainoo’s future at Old Trafford after falling down the pecking order has been linked with a move away from the club in January.
The report claims that Collyer could stay at the club once he has recovered from his injury, in order to provide midfield competition should Mainoo leave in January.
It adds that United will not send Collyer back to the Hawthorns when fit, though several other Championship clubs are interested in a loan move if Amorim gives the green light.
The midfielder is expected to be out for around eight weeks while he recovers from the latest setback.
Collyer was given his debut by former United boss Erik ten Hag before Amorim handed him an opportunity to impress in the FA Cup and then the Europa League.
The former Brighton star has made 13 appearances for the Reds to date, and Amorim is said to be prepared to offer him a chance to force his way into contention.
United are back in action later this evening when they take on Newcastle United at Old Trafford, looking to close the gap to the Champions League places.
