Brandon Williams was released by Manchester United last year, but the left-back has finally broken his silence on the club’s decision to sack Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.
After coming through the Manchester United academy, Brandon Williams was handed his first-team debut by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019.
Williams, now 24, never cemented a place in United’s line-up, but he still managed 51 appearances for the club. He had loan spells at Norwich City in 2021 and Ipswich Town during the 2023/24 campaign before his contract expired at the end of last season.
It recently emerged that former United star Patrice Evra was responsible for Williams’ debut after recommending him to Solskjaer.
The left-back was released by United last summer along with Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, and fellow academy star Charlie McNeill.
Williams has yet to return to football after taking a break from the sport.
Brandon Williams honest verdict on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer dismissal
Brandon Williams believes United made a mistake sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2021.
The left-back launched a passionate defence of the former United manager in an interview with Ben Foster, insisting that he brought the true ‘DNA’ of the club back to Old Trafford.
Solskjaer returned to management in January, after spending three years out of work, when he accepted the Besiktas job and has thus far been a success by helping turn their season around in just a few months.
“For me, he’s probably the best I’ve worked under,” Williams told the Fozcast when asked asked about Solskjaer.
“Even off the pitch, speaking to you, giving you advice, especially because I was young as well – he was like a really good mentor.
“I don’t think he should have ever got sacked, to be honest. I think he was going in the right direction.
“He knew the club, he knew what it was about, he knew the DNA of the club. That’s what’s been driven into me since I was a young kid… the United way. I felt like he brought that.”
Ruben Amorim is currently in the hot seat, and he will be trying to restore former glories.
Williams names best Manchester United teammates
Williams only spent a short time in United’s first-team, however, there is no denying that he played with some great players.
One of them is Bruno Fernandes, who Williams admitted he loves, admitted the Portuguese midfielder is the best player he played with – by a mile.
Former United midfielder and World Cup winner Paul Pogba, who remains a free agent, also got a special mention.
“I love Bruno,” Williams added. “Bruno’s literally… he’s the best player I’ve played with by a mile.
“When I’m saying ‘played with’, I mean on a consistent basis – like, I played a few games with him. Pogba’s in there as the best, in training and stuff like that. He can do everything – but I just played with Bruno more.
“And Bruno, the way he just conducts himself off the pitch and on the pitch as well – like, how he speaks to you… Everyone always moans at him for throwing his hands up, moaning at players – that’s just him. That’s how he gets his points across to players, and he’s a very good leader.”
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