'Incredible example' - Sky is the limit for former Sussex school student after Premier League debut for Manchester United

Toby Collyer came on at half-time against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday (September 1). The 20-year-old was thrown in at the deep end – with his side 2-0 down at the break.

Worthing-born Collyer was taught at The Angmering School in West Sussex.

The school’s assistant headteacher Ian Gooding was Toby's tutor for five years.

“We couldn’t be prouder,” Mr Gooding said. “He’s been on the bench for a number of games and in the squad. To see him come on in such a big game – he fully deserves it. It’s not by chance, it’s all through hard work.

“We see him regularly and he is very grounded. He is very calm. You will see that in the way he plays. Once he gets a run of games, he will show that.

“He is so grounded. He would have felt nervous but taken it calmly and in his stride. He trusts the work he has done and all the coaching and advice he has had.

"I know he was buzzing but he’s a very assured, calm person. He doesn’t get ahead of himself and takes it day by day.”

Collyer, who was named in the starting line-up for the FA Community Shield match against Manchester City at Wembley in August, is tipped for a starring role at Manchester United this season.

The defensive midfielder began his career in Brighton & Hove Albion's youth system. He made his under-18s debut at the age of 15.

The youngster won the Premier League under-17s cup with the Sussex club. Collyer joined the Manchester United Academy in March 2022.

After appearing in the squad for the first time last season, he made a starring role in the latest pre-season campaign.

He was even given the captain’s armband against Rosenberg.

The Athletic’s Carl Anka reported: “Toby Collyer is steadily establishing himself as a player to watch during Manchester United’s pre-season.

"The midfielder was a second-half substitute in United’s 1-0 defeat to Rosenborg on July 15 before playing the first half in United’s 2-0 victory over Rangers five days later. It has been a gradual process of development for the 20-year-old, who first started training with the senior team in February 2024, and was named among Erik ten Hag’s substitutes for eight matches in the 2023-24 season.”

Mr Gooding said Collyer ‘regularly comes back and sees us’ at his former school in West Sussex ‘when his schedule allows’.

He added: “He is always keen to help out our current students when possible. He is certainly someone who is absolutely grounded.

“He was the epitome of hard work and whether it was football or his studies, he always wanted to improve. Despite being heavily involved with Brighton at the time, he would always insist he plays school football.

"And when he did, he would not just help his teammates improve but also the younger age groups who looked up to him.

"He was quite a quiet lad but someone who you could just tell had the mentality and the drive to succeed in top level sport.

"He used feedback as ways to improve and despite being shy in his younger years, was not afraid of asking others for guidance when he felt they could impact him. He is an incredible example to any young person wanting to achieve success.”