Man United transfer news: 'Freakish' 20-year-old to seal Ruud van Nistelrooy reunion

Dutchman Van Nistelrooy was appointed Steve Cooper's successor at Leicester after steadying the Man United ship, going unbeaten in his four games as interim head coach following Erik ten Hag's sacking.

After it was decided that Van Nistelrooy would not continue under the new Ruben Amorim regime, the former Netherlands striker joined Leicester on a three-year contract and has overseen a positive start to Foxes life so far.

The 2015-16 top-flight champions conquered West Ham United 3-1 in Van Nistelrooy's opening game before drawing 2-2 with Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, pulling off a fabulous comeback from 2-0 down in the final five minutes.

Van Nistelrooy is not expected to have significant funds available to him either in January or the summer, but according to The Sun, the 48-year-old is hoping to prise a top talent away from Old Trafford.

Van Nistelrooy planning to take Collyer on loan?

The report claims that Van Nistelrooy wants to sign 20-year-old midfielder Collyer on a loan deal, having worked closely with the 2004-born lynchpin while he was Ten Hag's right-hand man.

Collyer is yet to make his breakthrough season at Old Trafford, but the midfielder has posted 'freakish' numbers in running exercises in training, second only to club captain Bruno Fernandes.

Collyer only penned a new contract at Man United over the summer, and his deal runs until 2027 with the option of a further year, so the Red Devils have no intention of letting him leave for good.

However, the club may agree to a loan deal in order to expose the 20-year-old to regular minutes, which he is unlikely to get over Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte at Man United.

Van Nistelrooy's connection to Man United could play a huge role in negotiations, as the Red Devils would prefer him to work under a manager who they know will offer him ample minutes.

How has Collyer performed for Man United?

A former product of the Brighton & Hove Albion youth system, Collyer arrived at Old Trafford midway through the 2021-22 campaign and quickly cemented a place in the club's Under-21 setup.

The 20-year-old largely plays as a defensive midfielder and also possesses strong leadership qualities, wearing the captain's armband for the youth team several times in the 2023-24 season.

Collyer made his senior Man United debut as a substitute in this year's Community Shield, before playing 45 minutes of the 3-0 Premier League loss to Liverpool, coming on for Casemiro at half time.

The youngster's first start for the Red Devils was a more pleasing affair, though, as he completed 90 minutes at left-back in the 7-0 EFL Cup crushing of Barnsley on September 17.

Written by

Ben Knapton