Man United vs. Southampton: Ruben Amorim hints at surprise Red Devils starter against division's basement side

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has said that Toby Collyer is in contention to face Southampton on Thursday night following his excellent performance off the bench against Arsenal in the FA Cup.

Collyer has missed a lot of football this season due to injury, but the 21-year-old was introduced off the bench in the latter stages of normal time against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The midfielder's energy and work-rate proved to be vital, as the 10-man visitors took the Gunners to penalties, which were won by Amorim's side, with Joshua Zirkzee netting the decisive spot kick.

A number of clubs are believed to have expressed an interest in signing Collyer on loan during the January transfer window, but Man United allegedly decided that his development would be best served by remaining at Old Trafford.

Amorim was asked about Collyer during his press conference on Wednesday, with the 20-time English champions currently preparing to welcome Southampton to Old Trafford in the Premier League.

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Collyer in line to face Southampton, confirms Amorim

The Man United head coach said that Collyer "is training really well" and suggested that he could be involved against the team currently at the bottom of the Premier League table.

"A lot of players I had to think this week, Toby is training really well, he has a lot of pace, he likes to learn so it's one more option for tomorrow," Amorim told reporters, with Altay Bayindir also a part of the same question.

Bayindir was excellent against Arsenal on Sunday, saving a Martin Odegaard spot kick in normal time, before keeping out a penalty from Kai Havertz in the shoot-out.

The Turkey international is expected to be back on the bench on Thursday evening, though, with Andre Onana regarded as the number one goalkeeper at the club despite some inconsistent form of late.

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Is Collyer now above Eriksen, Casemiro in the pecking order?

Christian Eriksen's contract with Man United is due to expire this summer, and the Denmark international is highly unlikely to sign a new deal, while Casemiro is also being heavily linked with an exit.

There is believed to be interest from the Saudi Pro League in Man United's Brazilian midfielder, but a deal this month remains complicated, and it is more likely that he will depart at the end of the campaign.

Both players have struggled in a two-man midfield, and it is quite possible that Collyer is now above both Eriksen and Casemiro in the pecking order, with the Englishman viewed as a real option alongside Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo.