Toby Collyer’s performances in the last few days have seen him jump up the Manchester United midfield pecking order.

Captain Bruno Fernandes praised the 21-year-old after the 2-1 home victory over Rangers while Lisandro Martinez did likewise after Collyer's impact off the bench at Fulham on Sunday night, where he made a crucial clearance off the line to help Ruben Amorim's side to three vital points.

“I’m so happy because of this guy [Collyer]," said Martinez. "Honestly, this guy is a big example for the young generation. I’m really happy for him because he’s working so hard every day and is so humble. He deserves it all.”

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But the joy for Collyer spells disappointment for one of his team-mates. The young midfielder's emergence has all but ended Casemiro’s United career, even if he does not leave during the January transfer window. The passing of the generational baton can be traced back to August and United's 3-0 defeat to Liverpool.

Erik ten Hag gave Collyer his Premier League debut that day when he replaced Casemiro at half-time. The Brazilian midfielder had given the ball away for the visitors’ first two goals before he was hooked. Collyer then played 90 minutes in the 7-0 home victory over Barnsley in the Carabao Cup third round the following month, before having to wait again for his chance. That came at the turn of the year, and he has featured in the Reds last five matches.

Meanwhile, Casemiro has become somewhat of a squad player, and he has not played him since the 2-0 home defeat to Newcastle United on December 30 when the Casemiro-Christian Eriksen midfield axis was deployed and, with a combined age of 64, they were predictably overrun.

Amorim needs runners in the two positions and unsurprisingly, Kobbie Mainoo and Ugarte started the 2-2 draw away to Liverpool at Anfield. The pair remained in place for the following three matches, while Bruno Fernandes played alongside Ugarte at Fulham.

The Europa League tie with Rangers was an opportunity to bring Casemiro back into the fold, but Amorim gave Collyer only his second start for the club alongside Eriksen. It is another indication that the Brazil international's Old Trafford stay is coming to an end.

Casemiro’s United career started well and he scored the opening goal as the Reds beat Newcastle United 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final in February 2023. A month earlier, he had passionately celebrated Marcus Rashford’s derby-day winner in a 2-1 home victory over Manchester City, further endearing himself to the fans.

Praise for his performances was widespread before the arrival of the dreaded question: Have his legs gone? His performances have since declined, and the decision to sign him on a four-year contract when he was 30 looks questionable.

Casemiro is destined to be United's past, Collyer looks the future.