[Red in STL]

Butt was first-choice for several years, and was a fine player in his day. Seen nothing from young Collyer yet to suggest he can hit that level, but hopefully he goes on to have a good career.

Not sure you'd have seen that much of Nicky Butt at that sort of age either to make an half decent comparison

 

[2cents]

Not sure you'd have seen that much of Nicky Butt at that sort of age either to make an half decent comparison

Butt was 20 when Fergie sold Ince without bringing in a replacement from outside. Butt went on to be a pivotal member of the double-winning side in the season that followed (having already had something of breakout season during 94/95). He was at that time regarded as the most mature of the class of 92 group following Giggs into the first team. So all of us following United back then saw plenty of him.

Right now Collyer has just turned 21, the same age Butt was in January 1996 during the double-winning 95/96 season, when he made over 40 appearances. I really hope Collyer does go on to establish himself, and if achieves a quarter of what butt did in his first few seasons with United then he’ll have already had a fine career for someone with his talents.

 

[AneRu]

There is a place in the squad for a player of his ilk, that he's cost us a pittance and is home-grown there is no need to expect him to be Rodri or Busquerts. If he ever shows more then it's a nice little bonus for him and us as we will save a few millions and the hassle of seaching for a DM.

Loving the fact that he is playing and setting a niche for himself in the side. He will be a good back up for Ugarte, the fact that he can hold fort in midfield and allow us to rest Ugarte is very encouraging.

 

[Amsterdam Devil]

Butt was 20 when Fergie sold Ince without bringing in a replacement from outside. Butt went on to be a pivotal member of the double-winning side in the season that followed (having already had something of breakout season during 94/95). He was at that time regarded as the most mature of the class of 92 group following Giggs into the first team. So all of us following United back then saw plenty of him.

Right now Collyer has just turned 21, the same age Butt was in January 1996 during the double-winning 95/96 season, when he made over 40 appearances. I really hope Collyer does go on to establish himself, and if achieves a quarter of what butt did in his first few seasons with United then he’ll have already had a fine career for someone with his talents.

All true and ofcourse Butt was a better player, but he also played in a lot better team, more established and some real strong characters and leaders in the team. That made it easier for young players if you could look at Schmeichel, Keane, Cantona, Irwin, Bruce and Pallister still in the team/squad, Cole scoring goals. Even senior and very professional players like Parker and McClair in a balanced squad. Maybe a bit easier for a young player than the chaos years with TH.

 

[2cents]

All true and ofcourse Butt was a better player, but he also played in a lot better team, more established and some real strong characters and leaders in the team. That made it easier for young players if you could look at Schmeichel, Keane, Cantona, Irwin, Bruce and Pallister still in the team/squad, Cole scoring goals. Even senior and very professional players like Parker and McClair in a balanced squad. Maybe a bit easier for a young player than the chaos years with TH.

I agree, and this all the more reason to be more cautious when assessing Collyer’s potential impact with us.

 

[El Jefe]

I’ll get some flak for this but midfielders who show no real quality on the ball just don’t excite me. Not asking young lads to be Scholes but the easiest thing to do is get in the side be safe in possession, get around the pitch and be aggressive. That is a good foundation for all PL midfielders so in the short term we’ll be happy because we lack this but if he doesn’t start showing some ability with the ball he won’t last long.

I’m hoping he has more to his game and can start showing it when he gets more comfortable. Never really followed him in the academy, what was he like with passing and in possession there?

 

[flameinthesun]

I’ll get some flak for me midfielders who show no real quality on the ball just don’t excite me. Not asking young lads to be Scholes but the easiest thing to do is get in the side be safe in possession, get around the pitch and be aggressive. That is a good foundation for all PL midfielders so in the short term we’ll be happy because we lack this but if he doesn’t start showing some ability with the ball he won’t last long.

I’m hoping he has more to his game and can start showing it when he gets more comfortable. Never really followed him in the academy, what was he like with passing and in possession there?

Agreed.

Collyer's technical ability looks less than Mctominay's at the same age. Hopefully, he can develop it more, however, most players who don't have that technical level already at this age don't suddenly develop it. For context, Ugarte is much better technically in tight spaces and on the ball, and he's viewed as being limited.

Where Collyer does stand out is his physicality and pace in midfield which I genuinely think is intriguing. In a perfect scenario I could see him develop into a Declan Rice type. Decent on the ball but a powerhouse in midfield. Still would rely on him getting better technically.

 

[FrankWhite]

He's an athlete with a really good engine however on the ball he's still quite basic, this much he admitted himself in preseason. Don't see him and Ugarte playing together often as that would mean little ball progression through the middle. Maybe if we're trying to see out a lead. He saves us having to get a backup for Ugarte until at least the summer. Who knows, maybe make a leap forward in develop and gets the job permanently.