Manchester United’s Brandon Williams Shows His Time Is Now

Not many would have heard or been aware of Brandon Williams before the season started, but now with 27 senior appearances to his name, he has been a shining light down the left-hand side.

As local as anyone can get to Manchester United, the young Englishman took his chance when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer awarded him with his first starting appearance in the Premier League PINC at home to Brighton & Hove Albion back in November.

For someone who is only 19 years old, Williams has handled everything that has come his way with the utmost maturity. It is easy to forget that young players bursting through the academy are still teenagers and have a lot to learn, but Williams has hit the ground running from the off and not looked back.

Solskjaer has predominantly used Williams in the Europa League during their campaign, with some stellar performances coming against AZ Alkmaar and Partizan Belgrade, both away from home.

With Luke Shaw battling on-and-off-again injuries, Williams has been in the background, waiting for his moment to deliver and showcase why his time is now.

While Shaw is still the number one left-back at the club, Solskjaer’s head might just be turning slightly with what he has seen from Williams this season. The Norwegian will not rush into any decisions – especially with nine crucial Premier League games left to complete – but the Manchester-born defender has certainly given food for thought moving forward, and will be involved.

Williams has shown his fighting spirit when appearing for the Red Devils and has an innate level of aggression that has been used effectively. While his one-on-one attacking play can, evidently, improve – and will over the course of his career – his defensive positioning and knowledge has been mightily impressive.

There is a difference of a young forward coming into a team and doing well and a defender who, at the time, was entering into a very tumultuous period in the season – with unrest ensuing in the supporters’ stands. However, Williams kept his head down and did his talking with his on-pitch performances, which is why he is already making a name for himself with the fanbase.

For a long time, Manchester United’s fans were crying out for a new left back, with plenty of them mentioning the likes of FC Porto’s Alex Telles and Juventus’ Alex Sandro. Neither of those deals came off in the end which, in turn, gave Williams the opportunity to break through.

Shaw is still contracted to Manchester United for another three years, plus an option to extend, but he will be in close competition from next season with Williams. And that is exactly how Solskjaer wants his squad to be: under pressure.

There is no doubt that Williams has an exceedingly bright future ahead of him, having already made considerable waves in his debut season.