Rio Ferdinand praised Toby Collyer after the Man United youngster made his European debut on Thursday.
With United hosting Rangers to preserve their unbeaten European run, manager Ruben Amorim handed the 21-year-old a midfield starting role alongside captain Bruno Fernandes, ahead of Kobbie Mainoo, Manuel Ugarte, and Casemiro.
In just his second start for the club, Collyer had a nervy beginning, losing possession in his half early on. However, the academy product gained composure as the match progressed and applied pressure on Jack Butland, leading to a spilled corner and an own goal that gave United the lead.
Collyer was substituted for Ugarte in the 73rd minute as Amorim sought to protect the team’s advantage.
Rio Ferdinand hailed Toby Collyer’s performance as he made his European debut on Thursday
The Man United midfielder started in midfield as United defeated Rangers in the Europa League
Collyer’s only previous senior start came in a 7-0 win over Barnsley in the EFL Cup last year
Speaking on commentary after the substitution was made Ferdinand heaped praise on the young midfielder’s performance.
‘He’s done the simple things well,’ the former United defender said on TNT Sports.
‘Got to people, worked very hard. A good night’s work for him, first European game – well done.’
Following the game, Fernandes insisted Collyer will only continue to improve as he gets more senior minutes.
‘He trains very well every week, trains at the maximum level,’ the United captain said on MUTV.
‘He’s a really good kid who wants to learn. He’s eager to learn and listen and he has big, big qualities.
‘He’s aggressive off the ball, he’s aggressive running with the ball, he’s class in tight spaces, and he is just going to get better.’
Despite enjoying a spell of momentum after taking the lead, United would find themselves on the back foot in the closing stages.
Bruno Fernandes insisted post-match that the England youth international will only continue to improve
Rangers substitute Cyriel Dessers produced a wonderful touch to get beyond Harry Maguire before lashing his shot beyond Altay Bayindir to put the visitors back on level terms.
With the game seemingly destined to end level, Fernandes stepped up in stoppage-time to secure a memorable winner.
United are now comfortably inside the top eight in the revamped Europa League league stage.
The club travel to Romania next week to take on Steaua Bucharest in their final game of the league stage.
Should United be able to maintain their place in the top eight, they will automatically qualify for the competition’s round of 16 in March.