There weren’t many good things to come from United’s drab away draw against AZ Alkmaar last night, but the performance of youngster Brandon Williams was at least one positive.
The 19-year-old played the full 90 minutes, and although he could have done better in the final third of the pitch, it was a solid full debut. Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer praised the defender’s display following the game:
“You won’t see a better full debut from a full back anywhere. The boy is just going to improve and improve. He’s got the right mentality. I’m very pleased for him.”
Supporters on Twitter echoed Solskjaer’s words and some are hoping to see Williams play more regularly in upcoming fixtures:
Only positive
— Kwame ✌? (@kwameA_B) October 3, 2019
also tried getting forward but this is us reaching for positives
— Ams? (@amyb1400) October 3, 2019
Yes Brandon performance was good
— afflatus (@afflatu97439831) October 4, 2019
watch out Luke shaw
— john (@johnManU777) October 4, 2019
Best player on the pitch for us by a mile… it was his full debut.
— Talk to Frank (@FrankyM85) October 3, 2019
Better than shaw! Watched him a couple of times always on the front foot, always positive, defends AND attacks which is unlike any other full back we have!
— Gilb (@Gilb0803) October 3, 2019
?
— 324 (@uchechukwu324) October 3, 2019
@olegs26_ole see I told u! He was ready. Time to unleash James Garner!!
— Realdealmufc (@Realdealmufc) October 4, 2019
With Luke Shaw still out of action with a hamstring injury, there is a case to be made for Williams to be given more game time. Ashley Young will likely deputise at right-back against Newcastle with Aaron Wan-Bissaka still absent due to the illness so there is an opening at left-back.
Axel Tuanzebe did play well in the position against Arsenal, despite his mistake, but he is not naturally a fullback so Williams could be a potential alternative.