During a Q&A session at The Athletic, an agent has backed Brandon Williams for a Leeds United move. He believes that the Manchester United youngster should seek a move elsewhere in the January transfer window, after falling down the pecking order. Leeds United or Southampton have been touted as ideal destinations, along with any top-half Championship side.
Brandon Williams’ Status At Man United
A product of the Manchester United youth academy, Williams rose to prominence during the backend of last season, when he emerged as an alternative for left-back Luke Shaw.
The youngster impressed the onlookers with his offensive prowess and the intent to move forward. It was combined with some excellent pace as the Englishman eventually made a total of 17 league appearances.
This season, however, Williams has become the third-choice left-back for Manchester United, following the late arrival of Alex Telles. The Brazilian, who arrived from FC Porto, is expected to compete with Shaw in the left-back slot, thus reducing Williams’ first-team opportunities.
A move away from Old Trafford, therefore, does make sense. The 20-year-old was even courted by Southampton during the final days of the transfer market, though a move did not materialise.
Why A Switch To Leeds United Make Sense
Elland Road could be a perfect destination for Williams for a number of reasons, including the prospect of getting more game-time at the highest level of football.
The Whites do have a quality left-back in Stuart Dallas. However, he is their only reliable option as second-choice Barry Douglas has had his fair share of difficulties and was even linked with a move away from the club this summer.
Should the ex-Wolves star return to the Championship in January, it could open up an ideal opportunity for Williams to compete with Dallas for a place in the starting lineup.
Even if he doesn’t start ahead of Dallas, the 20-year-old will still have an opportunity to make an impact as Marcelo Bielsa often likes to relocate his first-choice left-back into a more central role while simultaneously calling up a more traditional defender.
He had done this once already this season, against Manchester City when the Argentine subbed on Leif Davis during the closing stages of the game. It allowed Dallas to feature in a more central role.
Speaking of Bielsa, Williams can expand his tactical knowledge of the game under the leadership of the Leeds United manager. At the same time, the coach himself will have the services of a talented youngster, as his primary back-up for Dallas, making this move beneficial for all parties involved.
