A Manchester United youngster who impressed Sir Alex Ferguson and thrived under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been left without a club after terminating his contract
Manchester United academy graduate Brandon Williams has struggled with his fitness since moving to Hull City
Brandon Williams has left Hull City(Image: Shaun Brooks - CameraSport via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United hopeful Brandon Williams has agreed to cut ties with Hull City. The Tigers confirmed the decision in a statement on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old made just one appearance after joining the club in the summer. Williams secured his move after going on trial with the side, ending a 12-month period as a free agent following his departure from Old Trafford.
The defender had signed a one-year contract, with an option for a second, but that has now been terminated. Williams was included in just six matchday squads and struggled with fitness before Hull agreed to end his stay to facilitate an easier exit, according to Hull Live.
The club stated: "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."
Williams has had a challenging time in football and was given a suspended prison sentence last May following a serious driving offence. He received a three-year driving ban after being involved in a high-speed crash.
The former United academy graduate made 51 appearances for the club, with all bar one coming under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's management. Back in 2019, the Norwegian boss hailed Williams as being 'as brave as a lion' after an impressive man-of-the-match display against Partizan Belgrade.
"Brandon has an absolutely great attitude," he added. "The boy is going to be a top, top player."
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Brandon Williams
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was a fan of Brandon Williams(Image: 2019 Manchester United FC)
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"He's never let us down," Solskjaer remarked at 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."
Sir Alex Ferguson also singled him out for praise the same year following his first-team breakthrough.
Williams struggled to progress under Erik ten Hag and was loaned out to Norwich and Ipswich during his Old Trafford tenure. Solskjaer seemed to maintain belief in his former protégé, though, and was reportedly considering bringing Williams to Besiktas during his stint there.
The defender was determined to revive his career after joining Hull, but must now reassess his options. Williams stressed he was prepared to make amends for past errors when he penned his deal with the Championship outfit.
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.
Brandon Williams is in talks with Hull
Williams, 25, is now a free agent(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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"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."