Brandon Williams wants loan move: A permanent exit may be better alternative

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Manchester United’s decision to only sign players on loan this transfer window is understandable, given that the club is up for sale.

However, some spending funds could be freed up, if United were able to improve at selling players.

In the summer United sent experienced internationals Alex Telles and Eric Bailly out on loan. This is an area the club need to improve, to be a little more ruthless.

United did, to be fair, do so by selling James Garner in the summer. And now it is time for Brandon Williams to make a similar exit.

READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023

Brandon Williams open to loan

A report via The MEN claims Brandon Williams is open to leaving Manchester United on loan this month.

Williams missed the first part of the season with injury, making his return in the winter friendlies in December. He looked rusty, understandably, and Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw’s World Cup quarter-final exits ended hope he had of featuring in the Carabao Cup clash with Burnley.

The defender recently played 90 minutes for the under-21s to build up his fitness.

While he is open to a loan, if Erik ten Hag considers him expendable, then at this stage, Manchester United might as well just sell him.

There is an argument for Williams to stay as cover. He can play both full-back positions, and United’s intense fixture schedule could see injuries crop up. So he could be of use, having played in big games before.

But if a loan is sanctioned, then a sale would be preferable. If he is no use to United in this packed schedule, then forget it in future.

It is highly unlikely he would get the chance after his loan to add to his 50 appearances for the club. By the summer, United would have younger full-backs Alvaro Fernandez and Ethan Laird return from their loans to compete, while new signings could be brought in.

Williams may not want to give up on his United dream. However, it could be better to cut the cord, and end what could be a never-ending cycle of loans and lack of progress, which Axel Tuanzebe has found himself in.

Is last chance ahead?

Erik ten Hag might delay a decision on Brandon Williams’ future until the next week has passed. While improbable he would feature in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, there might just be a chance in the FA Cup against Reading next Saturday.

The fourth round tie with Reading is Williams’ only realistic hope of game time, unless there is an injury crisis. This could serve to salvage his United career, or simply put him in the shop window.