Manchester United are on a high after beating Manchester City in a rare derby win, but the mood around Old Trafofrd would pick up even more with the right winter transfer business
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
17:00, 18 Jan 2026Updated 18:47, 18 Jan 2026
Toby Collyer is set to leave Manchester United on his second loan of the season(Image: Getty Images)
The Michael Carrick era is off to a bright start after a 2-0 win over rivals City in his first game as Manchester United interim manager. Although this is in fact Carrick’s third stint at the helm of his old club, this deployment carries more significance than his previous spells as caretaker.
It’s also the first time Carrick will have overseen a real transfer window in charge at Old Trafford. And that means the former England international has genuine scope to make some improvements to the squad over the next fortnight or so.
After a heavy summer of spending and title prospects looking thin, investment was always bound to be difficult this month. However, United can still improve the first-team squad significantly through player sales, with new business being completed this weekend.
Toby Collyer heads back out on loan
One name bound for the Old Trafford exit is Toby Collyer, though only on temporary terms as Hull City look to sign the midfielder. Collyer spent the first half of this season on loan with West Brom but has since returned to United following some injury setbacks.
READ MORE: Man Utd emotional exit confirmed as 14-year spell ends with transfer completedREAD MORE: Man Utd transfer news: Elliot Anderson January stance clear as switch ‘blocked’ after sacking
The 22-year-old came back to his parent club on New Year’s Day, with United announcing at the time he did so to focus on recovering from his latest injury. A little more than a fortnight later, he’s back on the move to a different Championship after Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic confirmed a medical is set to take place before the weekend is over.
“With Toby Collyer we are waiting but I think we have a green light from Man United and I think he will join us on Monday,” said Jakirovic this weekend. “This is what I know but we have agreed everything with Man United. He will have a medical this weekend. He is now ready for training.”
The midfielder made 12 appearances for West Brom during his loan spell but was largely restricted to playing off the bench. He’ll hope to play a more prominent role at the MKM Stadium, with Hull currently in fifth place and gunning for Premier League promotion.
It may not be long before he runs into his old team, too, with Hull set to visit West Brom on March 14. Collyer came through United’s academy as a revered youth talent and has 13 senior appearances for the Red Devils to date.
Sam Mather leaves after 14 yearsContent cannot be displayed without consent
Another United youth product on the move this winter is Sam Mather, who has left the club after 14 years. He’s completed a move to Turkish club Kayserispor after struggling to open a pathway into the first-team ranks at Old Trafford.
Kayserispor announced the deal on Saturday, bringing an end to his time in United’s system. It’s reported United have allowed the player to leave on a free transfer and will not receive a fee for his signature.
“After 14 years my time at Man Utd has come to an end,” he said in his farewell statement. “I would like to thank all the staff and players who have helped me become the person and player I am today.
“I will always be grateful for my time here and wish the club all the best. On a personal note it’s time for me to move forward and I can’t wait to get started!”
Mather, 21, won the FA Youth Cup at United in 2022 and was previously farmed out to Rochdale and Tranmere on loan. The winger scored 29 goals and recorded 23 assists with United’s under-18 and under-21 teams but will leave United without a senior appearance for the club.
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