Manchester United's promising young midfielder Toby Collyer has opened up about his admiration for veteran teammate Casemiro, calling the Brazilian legend a true "role model" as he eyes a potential return to first-team action at Carrington.

The 22-year-old, who joined United's academy from Brighton in 2022, has been on an impressive journey through the ranks. After gradually being integrated into the senior squad under Erik ten Hag and earning a permanent promotion in summer 2024, Collyer found himself surprisingly surpassing Casemiro in the pecking order during Ruben Amorim's early months in charge - a testament to his rapid development.

Despite the intense competition for places, Collyer revealed how Casemiro remained the ultimate professional. "Casemiro was a big role model too, a player I looked up to," Collyer shared in an interview with The Athletic. "These past four years, being around him, just watching him and seeing the little things he does. First into training, ultra professional."

The young midfielder painted a vivid picture of learning from one of the game's greats. "He's always observing. People say he's a warrior off the ball because he reads the game so well, but on the ball he's exceptional as well with that one-touch around-the-corner pass. He leads by example."

Collyer's rise was particularly notable when Amorim first took charge, with the youngster earning starts ahead of the five-time Champions League winner. "When Ruben first came in, he wasn't having him one bit. I was playing over Caza," Collyer admitted. "I was just focused on my football. I was still obviously speaking to Caza in training."

True to his legendary status, Casemiro responded to the challenge with class, eventually staging a remarkable career revival under Amorim. For Collyer, who had a front-row seat to this transformation, it was no surprise - just another lesson in professionalism from a player who continues to inspire the next generation of United talent.