Solskjaer Cancels Plan To Sign New Left-Back Because Of Brandon Williams

Manchester United’s intent on making academy graduates a part of their DNA once more is quite evident. Their recent starting lineups have been some of the most youthful ones in the club’s history with the squad that traveled and later lost to Astana in the Europa League on Thursday being a prime example of the same.

In that particular lineup, the only senior players who brought the average age of the side up were Lee Grant, Jesse Lingard, and Luke Shaw.

The fixture also marked the return of Shaw from injury after just over three months and the English left-back marked the occasion by assisting Lingard’s opener.

However, something that occurred in his absence has now changed some big things for the club.

According to The Times, Manchester United have abandoned their pursuit for a left-back in upcoming transfer windows due to the sheer brilliance of Brandon Williams in the recent weeks.

The academy graduate has been amongst the lucky starlets to make the most out the chances given to him. Shaw’s injury and Ashley Young’s suspension made him the natural option and the fans were in love with his skillset and pace in the spot. To add to that, the much-needed goal versus Sheffield United also furthered his cause.

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Further, the report holds that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is immensely pleased with Williams and may look to incorporate him into the club’s long-term plans. The prior transfer wishlist was believed to have included a capable left-back who could give a solid competition to the injury-prone Shaw and replace the aging Ashley Young.

Now, Williams could easily be that name and would mark the ascent of yet another academy graduate into the echelons of Mancunian football.

Prior links regarding a switch had Ben Chilwell as amongst the top options that United were looking at for the spot.