The adolescent has pushed himself into contention in the United defence, thanks in no small part to a prestigious recommendation.
Patrice Evra believes he deserves some of the credit for Brandon Williams’ development as a first-team routine at Manchester United.
Williams, 19, has burst onto the scene in left-back this year, having never previously played a senior game for the Red Devils.
He’s racked up 22 appearances thus far, beginning both United’s 2-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea and their 1-1 draw against Club Brugge from the Europa League in the past week.
The youngster’s existence in the first group has required a change in strategies for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, with Luke Shaw moves centrally to form a back three with Victor Lindelof or Eric Bailly and Harry Maguire.
And Evra was instantly impressed with his first glance at Williams, prompting him to speak to the manager about the prospect.
“I am doing my coaching badges at Manchester United, I move like two weeks per month to do my path, and someone sent me a movie about Brandon,” the former Red clarified to Copa90.
“I had been watching it was like’Wow, he’s got something I truly love’.
“I saw him and he was tough, and after the training session I went with the first-team and I saw Ole.
“I said’Ole, do you understand about that child Brandon Williams?’
“Yeah, they say he’s good.’
“I said ‘trust me Ole, because I left I could see he can play he could play left-back.’
“I said ‘Please give him a chance’.”
United suffered a disappointing January, losing two in the Premier League and also going down to Manchester City at the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
But despite failing to conquer Brugge on Thursday things are searching for Solskjaer’s men, who are unbeaten in their last four matches in all competitions.
The news that rivals City face a Champions League ban, moreover, heightens their own odds of making the contest with fifth position now likely to yield a place.
Tottenham, present occupants of the place, lie two points ahead of United, who could go to a qualification berth if they beat Watford on Sunday and other results go their way.
