Brandon Williams: Man United academy graduate opens up on tough times | OneFootball

Former Manchester United academy player Brandon Williams is desperate to get his career back on track.

The defender made his debut for the senior team in 2019 and played 51 games for the club.

He spent time on loan at Norwich City and Ipswich Town before leaving Old Trafford in 2024 after his contract expired.

Problems off the field

Despite possessing clear talent, he has had his problems off the pitch which have massively impacted his progression.

The defender is now 24-years-old and spent last season without a club.

He was given a suspended sentence for dangerous driving after he pleaded guilty in March of this year.

Second chance

Nonetheless, he has been given a second chance as he completed a move to Hull City earlier this month.

Speaking to Hull Live, Williams opened up on his rollercoaster career to date.

Commenting on his off-field problems he stated, “it was my actions; I took responsibility for them. I’ve apologised, and all I can do now is just focus on my football and get things right on the pitch, and I’m sure that people will appreciate that.”

He claimed that the last years have been a “learning process” and that he must now take responsibility for his actions.

Williams added, “I’m growing up now, I’m not a young player any more. I’m becoming one of the senior players in the squad as well, so it’s important for me to help the young players as well because I know how difficult it is.”

The 24-year-old also asserted that everyone has forgotten what he has achieved in playing for Manchester United, including himself.

He added, “there are a lot of people in the world who would wish that for their child or something like that. It was upsetting that I’ve let a lot of people down; it’s for me to get things right now. Like, I’ve always said as well, I don’t want any sympathy from anyone.”

Sergej Jakirovic debt

The Hull City manager Jakirovic has played an instrumental role in completing the deal to take Williams to the MKM Stadium.

Williams revealed the advice that his new boss gave him stating, “he said to me the first time that I came in that it’s a process and he believes in second chances. Mistakes happen, people have got to put it right and now it’s down to me to give back that trust to him and the players as well. Just to work hard (Jakirovic’s message), show what I’m about.”

Delight at return to team training

The United academy graduate has been involved in individual training over the last few months but he spoke out on his joy of being back in a team environment.

He said, “even when the opportunity came, I said yes straight away because I wanted to be back in a team environment, back in the changing rooms, back having lunch with the boys and stuff like that, so even on the way here, I was excited. It was a nice feeling.”

The defender also reflected that he can take the positives from his struggles and stated, “I’m just glad that I went through it. I’ve got a lot of things to prove to people that I let down, so it’s important for me that I do make up that lost time.”

Future goals

The 24-year-old added that he now has the mentality where he wants a total reset and only wants to work towards a long and positive career in football.

He claimed, “it’s my mentality now. I’m a different person as well. I’ve got that hunger, I’ve got that desire, I’ve got that determination to get back to the top.”

Williams also claimed that he appreciates the risks Hull have taken by offering him a deal and that it is his mission to repay their faith.

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