Manchester United prodigy Brandon Williams to make permanent switch

Manchester United have a habit of producing players that have the ability to break through the ranks and play for the club at the top level. However, some players have to drop down the leagues to get the first-team football they desire. One of those players is Brandon Williams who has had to drop down to the Championship in order to get some game time.

Brandon Williams career

Having come through the youth setup at Old Trafford, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed Williams his debut in the EFL Cup victory against Rochdale in 2020. Since then he has made 51 appearances for his boyhood club in all competitions including 21 in the Premier League.

However, under Ralf Rangnick and Erik ten Hag, Williams has not had a sniff of an opportunity which has resulted in a loan move to Norwich in the 2021/22 season and now he has had to move to East Anglia once again with former Manchester United assistant manager Kieran McKenna at Ipswich Town.

Start to life with Ipswich

Williams is playing unbelievably well for a player who has not made a first-team appearance since an EFL Cup 4-minute cameo against Burnley in December. 11 games in and Ipswich are currently second in the league just behind recently relegated Leicester City which is certainly some achievement for McKenna and his Tractor Boys.

The United loanee Williams is no exception to the success as the combative fullback is starting to rgain full fitness and establish himself a first-choice full-back in McKenna’s side. Having only previously scored once in his career, which was a cracker against Sheffield United, he now has two goals in three games which included a vital goal against Preston North End in the first half to make it 2-1.

Would a move in January be timely?

It is clear, even at just 23 years old, that he is not in the plans of Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag so a permanent move will be on the cards this summer. There is an argument to be had that the move needs to be brought forward with his in-form appearances prompting Ipswich to be more keen to sign Williams on a permanent deal.

However, United are currently in an injury crisis, especially at the left-back position. With Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Sergio Reguilon all currently injured United have had to improvise. There could be an argument to suggest that United recall Williams in January to solve this issue.

Yet with these three players returning, United could be keen to keep Williams should they face another injury crisis.