Erik ten Hag has provided a positive update on Manchester United defender Brandon Williams .
He has not made a match day squad this season and missed the club’s pre-season tour due to injury.
Brandon Williams update
Ten Hag was slightly optimistic about the progress of full-back Brandon Williams. He said that while he won’t be in any match day squads imminently, he will soon return to first team training.
The United boss told the club website: “I see good progress with Brandon Williams. He returned on the pitch, individual-based.
“Brandon, [I’m] probably not talking about [him being] back in the squad for the games, but probably in the training for the team training.”
It’s possible Williams might target United’s EFL Cup tie against Aston Villa next month, if he can progress well between now and then. But even this could be slightly too soon.
Williams has not played for Manchester United since the end of the 2020/21 season, in the 2-1 away win against Wolves. He was an unused substitute on the first day of the 2021/22 season.
The former England under-21 international has made 50 appearances for Manchester United and is under contract until 2024.
He spent last season on loan at Norwich City, making 29 appearances in total but suffered relegation, although this outcome seemed set for the Canaries even before his loan deal was signed.
Williams is a player who might just have a chance of featuring under Ten Hag due to United’s lack of options at right-back, a position he is capable of playing in addition to left-back.
United will look to sign competition for Diogo Dalot eventually, but it’s unclear if funds will be made available in January. A signing next summer may be more likely.
This will give Williams a chance to battle Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a role to deputise.
It is still possible United will sell or loan Williams in January, likewise Wan-Bissaka, although only one will be permitted to go if no incoming signings are made.
Williams has to prove to Ten Hag between now and then that he is good enough to play a role.
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