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Keeping in mind Profit and Sustainability rules, Manchester United first need to focus on moving players on before they can begin their recruitment spree in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Quite a few big-name players as well as fringe players are expected to be moved on as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s clearout and that includes Brandon Williams.
He was expected to spend the season out on loan at Ipswich Town, under former United coach Kieran Mckenna, who could help the 23-year-old regain the form he showed which kept Luke Shaw out of the first team at one point.
But that has not panned out partly due to injuries but there have been numerous off-field controversies which hint at wider issues plaguing the youngster.
Brandon’s difficulties off the field
The United academy graduate was caught inhaling laughing gas and was involved in a major car crash which subsequently saw him get banned from driving.
He played 15 games in the first half of the Championship season but did not play since December and returned to Manchester for rehabilitation and the expectation was he would head back to Ipswich soon. But that never materialised.
With his contract set to end in June, Football Insider have now claimed that the Red Devils are prepared to release the versatile full-back on a free.
“Brandon Williams is set to leave Manchester United this summer after he was told he is free to find a new club, sources have told Football Insider.
“The full-back is out of contract at the end of June having spent the season on loan at Ipswich Town as they secured promotion from the Championship.
“With Williams’ contract set to run out this summer and no new deal on the horizon, he will have to begin searching for new clubs, with his current loan club Ipswich also looking unlikely to extend his deal beyond this season.”
A lot was expected from the England U21 international after a stunning breakthrough campaign in 19/20 under then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Legendary right-back Gary Neville was full of praise for his fighting spirit and the player cemented his place in the subsequent campaign with another solid showing.
It was felt that the Crumpsall-born player would go on to cement his place in the first team moving forward and he was also awarded a massive pay rise with the player earning £65,000 per week (as per capology), another example of Glazers’ ineptitude while handing out contracts.
United decide to cut ties
However, a failed loan spell at Norwich City in the subsequent campaign and injuries meant he played only one game last season under Erik ten Hag.
After a few errors in pre-season and despite the left-back crisis, the club decided the United academy graduate was better suited joining the Tractor Boys on loan.
And these ever-growing off-field issues have not been taken too kindly by the 20-time English league champions who want to clean their image now that INEOS are onboard.
Williams needs to get back to focussing on improving his game so as to earn a new deal at some other club. He certainly has the potential.
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