Erik ten Hag blown away by ‘freakish’ academy starlet who is rivalling Bruno Fernandes in training

Erik ten Hag has reportedly been blown away by one ‘freakish’ youngster at Manchester United.

It has been another disappointing start to the season for United after back-to-back defeats to Brighton and Hove Albion and Liverpool left Ten Hag’s men in 14th place in the Premier League table.

During last weekend’s 3-0 defeat by Liverpool at Old Trafford, Brazilian star Casemiro was at fault for two of the three goals.

The 32-year-old gave the ball away in dangerous areas which led to Luis Diaz’s goals to make it 2-0 at half-time.

At the start of the second half, Ten Hag brought off Casemiro and replaced him with 20-year-old Toby Collyer.

Collyer is former interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s only signing and has made a good impression since joining the club.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, current Red Devils boss Ten Hag ‘really likes Collyer and another source said he records ‘freakish’ running stats in training that are only bettered by Bruno Fernandes’.

The midfielder started his youth career at Brighton before being lured by United in 2022.

Collyer’s senior debut came last month when he came on in the 59th minute during the FA Community Shield clash against rivals Manchester City.

After coming on against Liverpool for his Premier League debut, Collyer nearly got himself an assist after he cushioned a header into the path of Joshua Zirkzee.

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However, the Dutch striker’s shot was saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

United’s U21 manager Travis Binnion said: “Toby is also making great strides with the ball, so we’re talking there about someone who can be really effective in all moments of the game and I think that’s what you saw on tour.

“That’s why the manager has involved him in numerous squads. I think he’s earned the trust of the manager and that’s not easy to do, so great credit to him, he’s a fantastic lad.”

He added: “He’s got a superb attitude and he’s getting what he deserves. We just know the manager really likes him and the conversations I have with Fletch [Darren Fletcher] are along those lines and we talk about what’s right for his development, so what’s next and what does he need to do?”