Man Utd defender’s future confirmed as Lingard doubts linger

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Jesse Lingard Man Utd

Reports claim Manchester United will not allow young defender Brandon Williams to go out on loan for the rest of the season.

Williams, 20, has barely featured for the Red Devils this season despite enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2019-2020. The England Under-21 star has played just six minutes of Premier League football.

He did feature in the Champions League and has also made three domestic cup appearances. But it is all very different from the 17 top-flight outings he enjoyed last term.

Luke Shaw’s excellent form plus the arrival of Alex Telles has pushed him down the pecking order. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has suggested a switch of position from left-back to right-back.

He played that position as United beat Norwich 2-0- in the FA Cup third round on January 9. However, the Manchester-born starlet continues to ply his trade in the reserves.

A lack of activity has alerted a few clubs, with West Ham United thought to be keen. Newcastle, Southampton and Everton have also been linked with a January loan swoop.

However, Football Insider report that they have been told he is going nowhere this month. Solskjaer wants to keep Williams at Old Trafford to act as cover for a title challenge.

They currently sit second and are just one point behind rivals Manchester City. The north-west giants are still in the FA Cup and slipped into the Europa League after finishing third in their group.

The Norwegian manager spoke about Williams earlier this week, suggesting he may see more action.

Lingard still a Hammers target

Although it seems as though Williams will not be loaned out, rumours persist over Jesse Lingard. West Ham have made their interest known and may well be favourites if he does get the green light to leave.

Portuguese club Porto were linked on Monday, with Solskjaer saying “let’s see what happens”. Sheffield United have now ended their interest but he still has many suitors.

It is a rapid fall from grace for the man capped 24 times by England. He has averaged 27 Premier League appearances over the past five seasons.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Brandon Williams Man Utd

The 28-year-old has played 210 times for United in total but is clearly frustrated with the current situation. The clubs involved have the rest of the week to come to an agreement before the window shuts.

The boss could use the same reason as with Williams to keep him at the Theatre of Dreams. But an exit would seem to be the best solution for all parties concerned.

 

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