Toby Collyer lays down marker after sensational Hull City return

Toby Collyer lays down marker after sensational Hull City return

Manchester United loanee Toby Collyer has made it clear that he is finally ready to kick on and prove his worth for Hull City, having finally made his full debut for the side.

Impressive return

Collyer produced a superb performance for Hull on Monday as they held Premier League-bound Coventry City to a goalless draw at the MKM Stadium. Slotting in next to Amir Hadziahmetovic, Collyer caught the eye, reminding so many why Hull made a strong push to sign him in January.

The United loanee endured a nightmare spell during the first half of the season at West Bromwich Albion, largely due to recurring injuries. He made 12 Championship appearances for the Baggies but started only three games before picking up a calf injury in November, which saw him return to United for his rehabilitation.

United sent him out on loan again, but this time to Hull. He made his debut off the bench against Bristol City, playing 14 minutes before he sustained a fresh injury in training.

Collyer missed Hull’s next four games, only appearing in the dying moments of the 3-1 defeat to Millwall in March. Against Coventry, the United star was given 74 minutes and more than justified his selection.

The 22-year-old spoke to Hull Live and praised manager Sergej Jakirovic for timing his return perfectly. Collyer also insisted he is ready for the season run-in, starting with Saturday’s trip to Sheffield United.

Collyer speaks

He told the newspaper, “I came here having full trust from the staff upstairs as well. Wasn’t the best start in terms of physically. I had a little setback, but I’ve just tried to build myself up in training again and be patient.”

“I’ve managed to do a great job, I think so, credit to the manager for, I’d say putting me in at the right time. Football’s all about timing as well. I feel like he’s put me in at the right time. I feel like, from what I’ve shown in training, I’ve deserved it.”

“I just enjoyed being out there again, starting, and got on the ball quite a bit. It just felt good playing again. Definitely (ready to play against the Blades), a little bit of cramp towards the end, but that’s natural with the limited minutes I’ve had.”

Hull sit fifth in the Championship standings, inside the play-off places. Promotion to the Premier League is within sight and Collyer believes this objective remains possible.

“I think it’s vital, especially this part of the season. We know what sort of league the Championship is; it’s hectic. I think a lot can change in the last few weeks, so it’s a big point for the boys.”

“First and foremost, everyone gave everything, and that’s the bare minimum you can ask for. Everyone gave everything out there. There were some standout performances as well for everyone; everyone put in a shift and did their job. It’s a valuable point.”

He continued, “In every game, you can’t afford to slip your standards. The gaffer sets us up really well, he motivates us before the game and we motivate each other. We thought we could have pushed for three points; we had chances. Right at the start of the game, there was a chance I could have potentially shot first time, but I didn’t and then didn’t end up scoring.”

“We’re happy with the point, and we’ll move on to the next game.”

“This league is crazy, I’ve never experienced anything like it. It feels like anyone can beat anyone. You can prepare for games, and then rock up and it’s completely different. We know what we’re aiming for, and we want to aim for as many points as possible. Whether we can push for automatics or get in the play-offs, we take it game by game.”

“We’ve definitely got the quality to do it, and as I said previously, anything can change in these last few weeks. We’ve just got to do what we can do and let the rest take care of itself.”

Collyer made his United debut in August 2024 when he came on as a substitute in the FA Community Shield against Manchester City.

Feature image George Wood via Getty Images

online polls

The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social