Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has praised the development of fullback Brandon Williams following the 19-year-old’s breakthrough into the first team this season.

When asked who he would name the best academy star to come through the club’s youth ranks, other than Mason Greenwood, Phelan singled out the defender:

“We’re tremendously proud of our academy – and over the last 18 months, chances have opened up for the young lads more than they have done for a long time. Brandon really stands out – he has blossomed into a first-team player rapidly.”

Williams has certainly not been fazed by his rise to the first-team setup, having already featured in 26 games for the Red Devils in all competitions this campaign.

It hasn’t all be plane sailing for the teenager, with one or two disappointing performances here and there, but inconsistency is to be expected from such a young player.

It is a testament to Williams’s ability that United felt no need to replace Ashley Young when he departed for Inter Milan in January, with the club’s coaching staff confident he could step up to the plate.

Hopefully, he can now kick on and start putting in top-level performances week in week out.