Erik ten Hag has finally found his perfect Luke Shaw alternative as Man Utd solve problem position

The Man Utd boss has found the solution.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag may have found the perfect replacement for injured left-back Luke Shaw.

Despite featuring for England during the Euros, Shaw is yet to make an appearance for United this season, and has constantly battled injuries during Ten Hag’s time as manager.

Shaw’s last appearance for the Red Devils came in February during United’s 2-1 win over Luton Town in the Premier League, with him struggling to maintain fitness almost all year.

But now, after confirming that Shaw is still unavailable for selection it appears that Ten Hag has finally found a solution to the defenders continued absence.

During United’s 7-0 thrashing of League One club Barnsley in the third round of the Carabao Cup, Ten Hag opted for youngster Toby Collyer in the left-back position, handing him his first Old Trafford start for the club.

Just two weeks before, Collyer was given his first Premier League appearance as he came on as a second-half substitute for Casemiro during the 3-0 loss to Liverpool.

And despite playing out of position, the 20-year-old impressed as he helped his side maintain a clean sheet and progress to the next round of the competition.

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Collyer came to Old Trafford in March 2022, leaving former club Brighton and Hove Albion to join United’s famous academy that has developed talents like David Beckham, George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.

Having failed to negotiate and new contract with Brighton, who he had played for from the under-12s level, the youngster signed a three-year deal with United, keeping him at the club until the summer of 2025.

In his first season, he impressed while playing for the under-21 team in Premier League 2 and the EFL Trophy.

 

Toby Collyer impressed during Manchester United's 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. (Image: Getty)
Toby Collyer impressed during Manchester United’s 7-0 win over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup. (Image: Getty)

Ahead of the 2023/24 season, Collyer was included in Manchester United’s first-team’s opening pre-season squad to face Leeds United on 12 July 2023.

However, he didn’t make it off the bench for the match and it wasn’t until the 3-1 loss to Wrexham two weeks later that he made his first senior appearance after being named in the starting team.

This season, Collyer has already made three appearances, with his first being as a substitute in the the FA Community Shield match against Manchester City.