Brandon Williams: How former Manchester United star’s career went downhill | OneFootball

Brandon Williams’ footballing journey is no longer a tale of promise but uncertainty.

The young man who once seemed destined for greatness at Manchester United now faces a crossroads in his personal life and professional career.

His mother, Lisa, still works at Snack Attack, her modest café in the heart of Harpurhey’s indoor market—a place where the locals once celebrated her son’s rise to Premier League stardom.

Williams, now 24, was once the embodiment of the local-boy-made-good narrative, complete with a sleeve tattoo commemorating his Harpurhey roots.

Yet, his football career at Old Trafford ended unceremoniously when his contract expired in June.

Once a promising left-back, Williams has yet to find a new club, leaving his future uncertain. His last appearance in professional football came nearly a year ago during a loan spell at Ipswich Town.

The bright spark that saw him debut for United at 19, appearing in a Europa League semi-final and earning a call-up to England’s U21 team, has dimmed. At United, there is sadness, rather than resentment, over his departure.

Williams’ story is not unique in the world of football.

Many young players thrust into the spotlight struggle to balance fame, wealth, and the discipline required to remain at the top.

United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, had already decided Williams was not part of his plans, but his exit from the club also followed troubling reports about his lifestyle.

Allegations of inhaling nitrous oxide and an increasing number of hangers-on raised concerns among those who had once nurtured his talent.

Despite the efforts of well-meaning people in and around United, it became clear that Williams was no longer on the path that had led him from the rough patches of Harpurhey to the bright lights of Old Trafford.

Williams may yet find his way back. Those close to him say he is committed to regaining his fitness, working daily with a personal trainer to find a new club.

However, whether the former Manchester United player can rediscover the focus and hunger that first made him a star remains to be seen.

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