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According to the BBC’s Manchester United correspondent Simon Stone, Manchester United are planning on sending academy graduate Brandon Williams on loan. The 20-year-old found opportunities hard to come by in the 2020/21 season, having made 10 appearances in all competitions.
The young full-back was strongly linked with a loan move last season, with Ralph Hasenhüttl’s Southampton most strongly linked. He was also linked with a move to Newcastle. Stone added that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wanted to keep him last season.
It is anticipated Brandon Williams will leave @ManUtd on loan ahead of new season. Southampton were interested last year but OGS wanted to keep him.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) June 21, 2021
Williams had a breakout campaign in the 2019/20 season with 17 league appearances, providing strong competition at the left-back spot for the likes of Ashley Young and Luke Shaw.
Shaw’s resurgence and Alex Telles’ signing made it hard for the youngster to get the desired minutes. Williams has done admirably when called upon, taking up the right-back spot in certain games as well.
With United linked quite heavily to Atlético Madrid’s Kieran Trippier, Williams is unlikely to find the game time needed for his development in the two full-back spots. The future of Diogo Dalot should also be taken into consideration. The Portuguese full-back was on loan at AC Milan last season and is a more natural back-up at right-back.
United should ideally look to send Williams out to a club where he’ll play as a left-back. He’s an unusual fit due to his preference for the right foot but it was quite clear that he’s more comfortable on that flank.
MEN have reported that Williams has also generated interest from clubs in the EFL championship. This wouldn’t be a bad idea as long as Williams gets the minutes, preferably for a team challenging for promotion.