Manchester United’s pre-season 2026 campaign presents a reset for Ethan Williams.
Starring for Manchester United in pre-season is no guarantee to earn instant progress to the first team.
Zidane Iqbal and Charlie Savage memorably caught the eye under Erik ten Hag in 2022. It didn’t lead to anything. Noam Emeran‘s goal against Leeds in 2023 was only a precursor to him being sold later in the transfer window.
Harry Amass was the player who caused excitement in summer 2024. He has made slow but steady progress since, but was sent out on loan last season. Joe Hugill scored against Rangers that same summer before being sent out on loan, and eventually sold.
In 2025 it was Ethan Williams who caught the eye. The young winger scored United’s fourth goal in a 4-1 friendly victory over Bournemouth.
Before we start wondering who might be United’s 2026 breakout player, let’s first consider, what if it is Ethan Williams again?
Ethan Williams is back at United
Ethan Williams’ impressive goal against Bournemouth did not lead to further opportunities under Ruben Amorim.
Williams was not selected in United’s two subsequent pre-season friendlies. Ruben Amorim had already made up his mind. He played just 19 minutes in pre-season in total.
Perhaps in a season with European football, United would have been more open-minded about keeping Williams to bulk out the squad depth.
Instead he was sent out on loan to Scottish Premiership side Falkirk.
Williams began really promisingly before falling out of favour. In the second half of the season he struggled for game time.
That does not mean Williams’ chances this season should be summarily dismissed.
The young winger is older and wiser for his loan experience, and now has a fresh opportunity to show what he is capable of.
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Andrey Santos is training already!
Goalscoring attacker
Ethan Williams has been out of sight and out of mind at United over the past year due to his loan spell, which did not generate many headlines.
But that should not play down his achievements in United’s academy, which the coaching staff will be keenly aware of.
Williams was part of United’s under-18s title-winning team in 2023/24, and he continued to score and assist at a prolific rate at under-21 level.
That season Williams had a total of 25 goal contributions in total.
Now 20, Williams is back in the spotlight briefly for pre-season, and he will be keen to seize his chance.
With two loan spells behind him including a stint at Cheltenham Town, Williams needs to demonstrate that he is ready for first team football.
Making the jump to United’s first team would be a big ask, but he did not look out of place at all last summer.
Another strong pre-season would at least open up more options for the youngster.
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