Manchester United winger Ethan Williams is on loan at Falkirk for the 2025/26 season. Here is a look at how he is faring.
One of the surprise stars of Manchester United’s 2025 pre-season tour in the USA was academy winger Ethan Williams. The youngster scored the final goal in the 4-1 victory over Bournemouth.
The goal did not change United’s plans to send Williams on loan, and an agreement was reached with Falkirk.
Ethan Williams playing for Falkirk
Photo by Malcolm Mackenzie/Getty Images
Ethan Williams’ strong start at Falkirk has faded
Ethan Williams made a positive start on loan at Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, where he provided two assists in his second appearance.
His manager John McGlynn said: “This is a great environment for him to learn, develop, and show his ability, and we believe Falkirk is the perfect place for him to take his game to the next level.”
Williams added another and scored his first goal for the club in a win over Kilmarnock at the start of November.
But since those positive early few weeks, Williams’ spell has trailed off and he is spending most games out of the starting line-up.
Minutes per game up to Dec 31: 61.1
Minutes per game from Jan 1: 13.5
Since the start of January, Williams has not started a single league game for Falkirk and his longest appearance was a 17-minute cameo against Hearts.
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He missed four games in February due to a thigh injury but has since returned to the squad, playing three times since. But he is having to work his way back into the team.
In this past weekend’s Scottish Cup quarter-final win over Dundee United, Williams was a 90th minute substitute.
Falkirk are sixth in the table, winning five of their last 10 league games.
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Newcastle United v Manchester United - Premier League
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Still time for Ethan Williams to finish on a high
A long season in Scottish football is a big test for a young player, and Williams’ mentality is now being tested.
He will be frustrated with his lack of starts along with the lack of goal contributions.
There is still time for him to finish the campaign strongly and return to Manchester United on a high.
The 20-year-old winger is a better fit for Manchester United’s current system than the one used by Ruben Amorim.
Williams’ full focus right now must be on Falkirk, where he can still play a vital role with his team into the semi-finals of the Scottish Cup.
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