Ralf Rangnick’s solitary acquisition for Manchester United is on the verge of making his highly anticipated debut against Luton this Sunday, as he has been observed participating in first-team training sessions.
During his brief interim managerial stint between 2021 and 2022, Rangnick had only one transfer window to influence United’s squad. He reportedly suggested the signings of six players, including Christopher Nkunku, Luis Diaz, and Erling Haaland, in discussions with the club’s leadership.
However, United chose to back the incoming manager and subsequently appointed Erik ten Hag the following summer, opting not to secure any of Rangnick’s proposed targets.
The sole addition under Rangnick’s guidance was Toby Collyer, a promising defensive midfielder, who joined from Brighton in March. Initially part of United’s U21 setup, the 18-year-old trained with the senior squad ahead of their Europa League fixture against Barcelona last February.
Though capable of playing at center-back, Collyer has predominantly featured for the U21s this season, making seven appearances and providing an assist. Despite eagerly awaiting his senior team debut under Ten Hag, Collyer has once again been called up to first-team training ahead of United’s crucial Premier League encounter with Luton, indicating the possibility of his inclusion in the matchday squad.
The presence of young forward Ethan Williams alongside Collyer highlights United’s commitment to fostering talent and bolstering squad depth through youth development initiatives.
With midfield availability concerns stemming from Mason Mount’s injury and Sofyan Amrabat’s recent return from the Africa Cup of Nations, Ten Hag may contemplate including Collyer as a strategic move.
The rise of Kobbie Mainoo this season underscores United’s ethos of affording opportunities to emerging talents to showcase their potential. Collyer is poised to follow suit at Kenilworth Road.
A triumph against Luton would narrow the gap to fourth-placed Aston Villa to just five points. Tottenham’s loss to Wolves has further heightened the competition for a top-four finish, providing United with added motivation to secure a favorable outcome.