Manchester United youngster Brandon Williams could make his professional debut for the club in their Carabao Cup third round clash with Rochdale tonight.
The 18-year-old, who has been one of the top performers for United's Under-23s side this season, could play in his favoured left-back slot in the Old Trafford cup tie, though is more likely to be on the bench behind Marcos Rojo.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been keen to involve members of United's academy in his squads this season and, after handing full debuts to Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes in last week's 1-0 Europa League win over Astana, Williams may follow suit against Rochdale. James Garner is also in the squad and gunning to make his full United debut.
It's not the first time that Williams been involved with the United senior squad. Last season Williams travelled with the United first team for their Champions League second leg at Paris Saint-Germain in what turned into a glorious night. He received his first squad number, which was 53 but just missed out on a place in the matchday 18.
Where can he play?
Williams can play as a full-back on either side, but has recently forged a reputation largely a right-footed left-back, in the mould of United great Denis Irwin.
He's adept cutting inside and making runs through midfield and likes to get forward on the overlap — or underlap. Williams has shown in training of late that he's got an eye for a spectacular goal too.
Manchester United squad vs Rochdale View gallery
What has Solskjaer said?
Ahead of the PSG trip, the Norwegian said of Williams: “Brandon is a full-back who can play both sides, quick. It's the first time he travels with us, he didn't expect to come, but that's part of being here that suddenly you're called upon, why you're in the academy.
"We believe in you and suddenly you have to step up that's why we have good coaches to make them ready."
What's he had to say?
Speaking to MEN Sport last year, Williams spoke about the influence Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna have had on the under-18s this season.
"Obviously Kieran's gone up to the first team and Carrick's there," Williams said.
"And they speak to us and we train with the first team and are always around them, so we look up to them and see what they are doing and try to follow them.
"[Carrick) came in and congratulated us and is happy with us. It's good to have them up there because Kieran was our manager last year, he knows our abilities and knows what we're capable of and when we get the chance then we take it."
Mezmptz
0
the older players are disappointing us
he must change their play
yambdelnop
0
who fooled OLE that young players deliver?????
the older players are disappointing us
Kamini
2
Some people will say that Ole is trying to give some kids a chance but look at all those people that's He is giving chance, they're all English players bcoz He thought by doing so everyone will love him but my promise to him is that the love He keep showing to English players will get him sack very soon
Biycelmtuy
0
Is Ole good enough for the development of young talent? I have my doubts. Is He(Ole) even a good coach? Man U should sack him before its too late
Digitalplayer
0
it will be nice to see these lads been given a chance to showcase themselves
eilshamsUnited
0
Good one let's go united
HaziqDanielle
1
give him the full lb spot instead of young
acadGRIN6007
1
lose again i think. or win 1-0
Joel14
2
James Garner is my favourite kid.
Abdulhamid2002
0
Put him in place of Ashley Old
for sure[Crylaugh]
Shivam_Kumar
0
The biggest setback of Solksjaer management is that he still play with 4-2-3-1 even though the way he wants to play is more suited for 4-3-3....
The reason being his wrong selection.. There is Fred who can transform midfield if he uses him wisely but at the same time he allow Matic to go forward and that is actually what harming us... Matic wasn't good at ball the last game.. Also he can use Gomes as attacking midfielder.. Matic need not to go forward and fred and Gomes need to create space for attacker... Whatever we try to analyse.... The result weren't going to come because of limited source.. Another hard day in a way... Don't see us scoring more than 1 goal
coyacdkmn
0
The biggest setback of Solksjaer management is that he still play with 4-2-3-1 even though the way he wants to play is more suited for 4-3-3....
He has no faith in his midfield options thats why he keeps 2 at the middle and only allows 1 to go up front.
jezabdnpyz
11
Although We Are Not Doing Well So Far In The Season.., I Will Be Giving My Full Support To Our Academy Youngsters.., As Always. 🚩 🚩 🚩
Shivam_Kumar
3
The biggest setback of Solksjaer management is that he still play with 4-2-3-1 even though the way he wants to play is more suited for 4-3-3....
Nipclmrstz
1
Another youngsters hope he will perform well...but Ole have to bring a star striker and a experience centre forward.
forzacmilanspursmanu
0
Putting him in left back would benefit United and himself... he is quicker by a yard than Ashley young... he may be inexperienced but he will play like his life depends on it...and what better opportunity than putting him against Rochdale tonight?
..as opposed to putting him in goal ..you just repeat what was there to read in the article
Lien_Meizap
1
Putting him in left back would benefit United and himself... he is quicker by a yard than Ashley young... he may be inexperienced but he will play like his life depends on it...and what better opportunity than putting him against Rochdale tonight?
Mezmptz
0
Are the older players delivering?
does man utd got older players
Vezonic22
2
Wishing Brandon the best.......
Vezonic22
0
who fooled OLE that young players deliver?????
Are the older players delivering?
Lien_Meizap
5
Put him in place of Ashley Old
EAsoft
2
I thought he was the one with Alex Hunter in FIFA Story mod
Mezmptz
1
who fooled OLE that young players deliver?????