Leeds United are reportedly keen on signing Manchester United defender Brandon Williams and LeedsUnited.News spoke to United In Focus editor Dan Coombs about a possible move for the left-back – who says he “needs a move”.
Williams, 22, managed just one senior outing for Manchester United last season. Erik ten Hag bought Tyrell Malacia to compete with Luke Shaw. At right-back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diego Dalot had been doing battle throughout.
The Independent claim Leeds are keen on forming a reunion between Williams and Daniel Farke, who signed him on loan at Norwich during 2021-22. He is in the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, which is worth £53k a week.
So, there are some doubts regarding Williams. A player that looked as though he had plenty of potential, only to fail to build on his initial breakthrough. Talking to UIF’s editor Coombs, we asked why he had fallen down the rankings.
“Williams suffered an injury at the start of pre-season in 2022 which ruled him out of tour and all games prior to the mid-season break. He was never really considered as an option once he returned, featuring in a couple of squads.
“His one appearance came while Luke Shaw was resting after the World Cup. Prior to his injury, Williams had never really had any issues. He never stood a chance. Ten Hag’s first signing was a left-back, Malacia,” Coombs told us.
“Add in Shaw, and competition for places was just too strong for Williams to work his way in. He can play at right-back too, but with Wan-Bissaka and Dalot, again, Williams never got a look in. He has played this pre-season.”
Williams is renowned for being aggressive on the pitch, tough tackling and willing to get his name in the referee’s book. But off the pitch, he is passionate, too. He criticised Rio Ferdinand for his praise of Manchester City’s treble.
Asked if there were concerns regarding his outspoken nature, Coombs said: “Not at all from our perspective. It demonstrated Williams’ passion for Manchester United, he was hitting out at coverage of City’s Treble win.
“Fans were pleased he said what he said. He’s a Manc lad. His comments earned respect. It makes it particularly questionable that he would want to join Leeds – although we have seen in the past that rivalry can be set aside.”
Coombs: Williams needs move as Leeds keen on Man United defender
So, Williams has perhaps, been a bit harshly treated in terms of game time – even maybe, unlucky. Any concerns over his attitude, put to bed. Regarding his future this summer, Coombs says Williams needs to leave Old Trafford.
“He 100% needs a move, due to his lack of football last season. He performed pretty well for an awful Norwich side on loan in 21/22, and if Leeds are competing at the top end of the Championship, a switch could be good for him.
“I think he’d prefer a permanent switch. Leeds might fit. If he’s actually a good signing depends on his willingness to cross the Manchester to Leeds rivalry and all that entails, and whether your fans would give him a fair chance.”
There is potential for Williams to be a good signing. Others have made the move. Dan James, Gordon Strachan, Lee Sharpe and more. While it might take time, according to Coombs, he could be a good signing – but may cost £10m.
“We would be pleased to get £10m, based on a tough couple of years. He’s got potential, shining when he broke through under Solskjaer. He is good going forward, strong at tackling. A good character who has a point to prove.
“There are questions over how good he is defensively, but this is a player who has played around one and a half seasons of football in his young career so far. He might need some time to hit form, so be prepared to be patient.”
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