Manchester United full-back Brandon Williams has revealed he left the club on loan in the summer because he “needed to get out and play”.
The 21-year-old joined Norwich City on a season-long loan after being signed by Daniel Farke. However, despite the Canaries sacking the German, Williams has been a regular under new boss Dean Smith.
With Diogo Dalot returning from his loan at AC Milan last season, Williams’ route to regular first team action this season was always going to be difficult.
It was in the 2019/20 campaign where Williams announced himself and at one stage looked to be in control of the left-back spot ahead of Luke Shaw.
The England under-21 international made 36 appearances that campaign, which included a start in the Europa League semi-final against Sevilla.
However, following the signing of Alex Telles and the resurgence of Shaw, Williams only made 14 appearances last season, only two of which were Premier League starts that came from the last four games of the season, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer shuffled his pack, ahead of the Europa League final.
It was that significant drop off in game time which prompted Williams to seek a loan move away from Old Trafford.
Speaking to the Athletic, Williams said: “I came to the point where I was at the age of needing to play football, not just sit there and lose years.
“I know being there and training with some of the best players in the world is good, but it is in the games where you learn a lot and get the experience, so I needed to get out and play. I just had to focus on myself. Thankfully the manager let me go.”
Williams felt that Norwich was the best fit for him despite being away from his family and friends.
The Manchester United academy graduate added: “I spoke to a few people and we found that this was gonna be the best spot for me,” he says.
“It’s far away from home, which has both sides to it. Everything I know is in Manchester, my family. But it’s good to get no distractions, just concentrate on my football.”
After a period of a acclimatisation, Williams admitted it was “hard” at the start because he’s “never been at another club before”.
But now he feels he is “finally” at the point where he is “comfortable” and he knows everyone at the club now.
Williams continued: “I’ve made really good friends. I enjoy the peace and quiet. Get home from training, watch some films and go to sleep.”
Although Brandon Williams was told by the newly-promoted side that his place would not come guaranteed at Carrow Road despite the pedigree of Manchester United, the youngster still accepted the challenge.
With nine Premier League starts to his name already this season, it looks like Williams has made the right decision which will no doubt aid his development and experience.
Speaking on whether he feels like his Norwich move has been justified, Williams said: “Norwich has been a good choice. Whatever club I went to there would have been a challenge to try to get regular game time. I think it’s good for this club we have challenges all over the team.”
After missing the weekend defeat to his parent club due to being ineligible, Williams will hope to return to Norwich’s starting line-up, ahead of tonight’s clash against Aston Villa, which sees Dean Smith take on his former side.
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