One Manchester United youngster who was highly regarded by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has found himself without a club just six months after signing a contract
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a fan of Brandon Williams(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United prospect Brandon Williams has agreed to terminate his contract with Hull City. The Tigers confirmed the decision in a statement on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old made just a single appearance after joining the club in the summer. Williams earned his move after going on trial with the side to bring an end to a 12-month stint as a free agent following his Old Trafford exit.
The defender had signed a one-year contract, with an option for a second, but that has now been ripped up. Williams featured in just six matchday squads and struggled for fitness before Hull agreed to end his stay to facilitate an easier departure, according to Hull Live.
The club said: "Hull City can confirm that full-back Brandon Williams has left the club by mutual agreement.
"The 25-year-old’s only first-team appearance after joining the Tigers last August came as a substitute in the Sky Bet Championship home defeat to Blackburn Rovers later that month.
"We would like to thank Brandon for his efforts during his time at the MKM Stadium and wish him all the best for his future career."
Manchester United academy graduate Brandon Williams has struggled with his fitness since moving to Hull City
Manchester United academy graduate Brandon Williams struggled with his fitness at Hull City(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Williams has endured a difficult period in football and was handed a suspended prison sentence last May after a serious driving offence. He was handed a three-year driving ban after being involved in a high-speed crash.
The ex-United youngster played 51 times for the club, with all but one outing coming under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. In 2019, the Norwegian described Williams as being 'as brave as a lion' following a man-of-the-match outing against Partizan Belgrade.
"Brandon has an absolutely great attitude," he added. "The boy is going to be a top, top player."
"He's never let us down," Solskjaer said in another press conference. "He's a top young kid, he's got great attitude and confidence.
"He's got everything a Man United kid should have. You're never scared of putting Brandon in any type of game."
Williams was unable to kick on under Erik ten Hag and was sent on loan to Norwich and Ipswich during his time at the club. Solskjaer appeared to keep faith in his former charge, however, and was linked with offering Williams a place at Besiktas during his spell in charge.
The full-back was intent on getting his career back on track after signing for Hull but now must go back to the drawing board. Williams insisted he was ready to atone for his mistakes after signing a deal with the Championship side.
He said: "It was just a learning process. Things did happen, but like I said, I've learned from them now. I'm growing up now, I'm not a young player no 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. It was difficult because everyone kind of forgot what I actually achieved; people don't understand that.
"I didn't even understand at the time what I've actually achieved (playing for Manchester United at such a young age). 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. 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."
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