Man Utd reach agreement on midfield transfer decision days before January window

Manchester United have made their first major January transfer decision - ahead of the window re-opening next month - after a recent spate of injury set-backs.

Manchester United have decided to bring Toby Collyer back from his loan stint with EFL Championship side West Bromwich Albion due to an injury setback. The 21-year-old has had a challenging time in the second tier, making 12 appearances for the Baggies and managing just one assist in a mere 253 minutes of play.

The Athletic confirmed he's returned to Carrington for treatment on a calf injury that has recently kept him out of the West Brom squad. This is another blow for United, who have just lost their midfield maestro, Bruno Fernandes, for a while due to a hamstring injury sustained in the loss to Aston Villa.

Portuguese star Fernandes could be side-lined for around a month, with head coach Ruben Amorim reluctant to specify a recovery timeline. At his pre-match press conference, he stated: "Not for this game. They are recovering.

"I don't think that it is going to take a lot of time. Kobbie is going to return faster than Bruno. I don't want to say [how long for Bruno]. I have an idea, of course, but let's see."

Amorim's squad is currently thin on the ground. That's owing to injuries and suspensions, while three players are away on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, which is contributing to the current shortage.

Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are on international duty in Morocco.

The lesser-spotted Kobbie Mainoo was all-set to start for United in the Villa Park defeat, but an injury side-lined him, while Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt continue their recovery from injuries, as well.

Mainoo's future at Old Trafford is uncertain and he's slipped down the pecking order - amid rumours hinting at a potential move away from the club in January's window.

Reports indicate that Collyer could remain at the club once he recovers from his injury, providing competition in midfield should Mainoo depart.

The report also indicates that United won't send Collyer back to the Hawthorns when he's fit, yet again, although several Championship clubs are reportedly interested in a loan deal if Amorim gives the go-ahead.

The midfielder is expected to be out of action for approximately eight weeks due to his recent injury setback.

Collyer was handed his debut by former United boss Erik ten Hag before Amorim gave him the chance to shine in the FA Cup and then the Europa League.

The ex-Brighton star has made 13 appearances for the Reds so far, while it's reported that Amorim is willing to give him the opportunity to fight for his place in the team.

United will return to action later this evening when they face Newcastle United at Old Trafford, aiming to close the gap to the Champions League spots.