Brandon Williams believes Manchester United have got rid of too many players in recent years.
After bursting onto the scenes as a teenager at Manchester United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Brandon Williams suffered both injuries and a loss of form.
The 24-year-old was sent on loan to Norwich City and Ipswich Town before eventually leaving Old Trafford in 2024.
Williams has yet to find a new club and is facing a potential prison sentence after pleading guilty to dangerous driving when he crashed his car at 99mph in August 2023.
A lot has changed at United since Williams’ departure, with many players he called teammates moving on to different clubs, although Ruben Amorim’s team isn’t any closer to winning Premier League titles.
It has been a turbulent campaign for United, sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League table after 30 matches. The pressure is on to win the Europa League as it’s the only way the Reds can qualify for the Champions League.
Perhaps it is telling that players who have left United in recent seasons have found it easier to perform elsewhere. Antony is the latest player to show a resurgence during his loan spell at Real Betis but he is not alone.
Brandon Williams slams Manchester United transfer policy
Manchester United’s recruitment has been criticised for years, but Ineos have changed the club’s transfer strategy since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner by prioritising deals for younger talent.
Prime examples of that include Ayden Heaven, Chido Obi, Leny Yoro and Patrick Dorgu.
However, United fans have reason to be concerned for the pre-existing talent at Old Trafford. It is no secret that the Reds are struggling with PSR after Ratcliffe previously stated United were going bust in 2025 before his intervention.
It seems Ineos want to raise more money from outgoings this summer, with reports suggesting United want to pocket £100 million in player sales.
Former United left-back Brandon Williams believes United have got rid of players who would prove beneficial to Amorim as the new head coach tries to lay the foundations for future success.
One of them is Scott McTominay, who is enjoying an incredible first season at Napoli, recording 11 goal contributions in 31 appearances. Williams believes the Scotland international would have proven to be a ‘crucial’ part of Amorim’s side had he not been sold.
There was also a brief mention of Marcus Rashford following his loan move to Aston Villa in January.
“The team was quality,” Williams told Fozcast when Ben Foster asked about the talent United had at their disposal in 2019.
“That was the foundation. You can build on that team… I think they got rid of too many of those players.
“Scott would’ve been a crucial part of this team right now. A proper spine of the team. I don’t really think I can name anyone in that team right now that’s like a Scott, like a Marcus.”
While McTominay delivered for United last season with 10 goals across all competitions, Rashford struggled for two years before being sent to Villa Park for the remainder of the season.
It remains to be seen if Rashford will return to United or find a new club in the summer.
Marcus Rashford resurgence at Aston Villa
Unai Emery deserves credit for helping Rashford rediscover his form in such a short period.
On Wednesday night, Rashford scored his first Premier League goal for Aston Villa in a comprehensive 3-0 win over Brighton at the Amex Stadium.
The United loanee added to his brace in Sunday’s 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Preston North End.
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 11 | 3 | 4 |
Villa are positioned seventh in the league table, just four points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
Ineos hope Rashford’s resurgence can help United get the best deal for the 27-year-old, who recently returned to the England squad for the March international break.
It’s set to be a busy summer for United with more departures expected.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/eM7wp1D