Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams has admitted he was “immature and stupid” during the period in which his career began to unravel, as he attempts to rebuild his football career with Rotherham United.
Williams made 51 appearances for United after progressing through the academy and breaking into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first team during the 2019/20 season.
At one stage, the Manchester-born defender had established himself as a regular and was even viewed inside the club as a potential first-choice left-back ahead of Luke Shaw.
His career subsequently stalled, however, and Williams has now spoken candidly about the mistakes he believes contributed to that decline.
“I’ve learned from my mistakes,” Williams told The Athletic.
“I take full ownership of everything that’s happened to me.”
Brandon Williams opens up on Man Utd decline
Williams joined United at the age of seven before making his senior debut against Rochdale in the League Cup in September 2019.
He quickly became part of Solskjaer’s squad and made his Premier League debut against Liverpool the following month.
Williams also impressed in Europe, with Solskjaer describing him as “brave as a lion” following a Europa League victory over Partizan Belgrade.
ReadManUtd’s Manchester United history guide reflects the club’s long tradition of giving academy players opportunities at first-team level.
Williams appeared to be the latest youngster to establish himself before his opportunities began to decrease.
Looking back, the defender believes moving away from his family home at 19 was one of the mistakes which left him struggling to cope with his changing circumstances.
Williams later had loan spells with Norwich City and Ipswich Town before being released by United when his contract expired in 2024.
He says the significance of leaving Old Trafford only really became clear several months later.
Williams admitted he reached a point where he did not want to play football again, having spent almost his entire life associated with United.
His problems away from the pitch also resulted in a suspended prison sentence for dangerous driving last year.
Williams says the incident forced him to grow up and reconsider the direction his life was taking.
He now describes his previous behaviour as something he deeply regrets.
Williams trying to rebuild football career
The 25-year-old is currently training with Rotherham during pre-season as he attempts to return to regular football.
He has not completed a full 90 minutes since playing for Ipswich against West Bromwich Albion in November 2023 and does not yet know whether Rotherham will offer him a contract.
Williams nevertheless says he is prepared for a gradual return rather than expecting to immediately return to the highest level.
He remains proud of what he achieved at United and is still in contact with former team-mates including Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes.
Williams says Fernandes continues to check in on him and described the United captain as an “unreal guy”.
His immediate ambition is much simpler.
After several difficult years, Williams wants the opportunity to play regularly again and prove he can still build a career in the game.
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