Brandon Williams has extended his contract with Manchester United until 2024, with the option of a further year on top (BBC).
2019/20 was a breakthrough season for the academy graduate and he could yet end it as a Europa League winner.
We’ve got three reasons why a new deal for the defender was such a good idea…
He has a higher ceiling than Shaw
Luke Shaw had arguably his best season in a red shirt, but Williams has more potential.
Williams undertakes his role at both ends with more tempo and determination than Shaw, who lacks that explosiveness.
Once Williams gets that experience under his belt, he will be a far superior option to the former Southampton man.
Williams’ new deal underlines the message to Shaw that he has healthy competition in the shape of a player who should take over his starting berth in due course.
Youngsters can make rapid progress at full back
There are some positions in which it is easier for young players to establish themselves than others.
Full back – because of its emphasis on energy and speed – is a great one for a youngster to establish themselves.
There are many examples across the Premier League, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, of young full backs shining.
Williams may well have a spot at next summer’s European Championship in mind after signing this new deal.
He’s one of our own
United fans would celebrate a winning side if it had no homegrown talent in it, but having Mancunians in red shirts always makes it sweeter.
Williams’ love for the club shines through every game he plays and he can emulate Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield as a local boy and cult figure for the fans.
United have spent fortunes and scoured the world for suitable talent – often without success – since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
To unearth a player of the right quality with a decade of his best years in front of him from their academy ranks is worth celebrating and it’s absolutely the right call to tie him down.
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