Williams reflects on difficult year, aims for fresh start after Man Utd exit

The 24-year-old full-back, who was released after his contract expired, has spent this season on the sidelines, watching football from a distance. Williams' last appearance came during a loan spell with Ipswich in December 2023, but he has since been without a team.

Reflecting on his current situation, he admitted that watching football now feels painful, as he longs to return to the pitch. In an appearance on Ben Foster's Fozcast podcast, he shared: "It hurts me watching football now because I just want to be there, I just want to play. I miss being in a team, on the coach, travelling to games, having meals together and just doing things."

His time at Manchester United began in 2019, when he made his debut under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He had a promising start, making 51 appearances, including two in the Champions League. However, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the first team, leading to loan spells at Norwich and Ipswich.

His time at Ipswich ended after manager Kieran McKenna noticed issues with his off-pitch life and suggested he take time to sort things out before returning.

"Something wasn't right," he explained. "He [McKenna] said 'get yourself sorted and come back as Brandon'. When I came back to Manchester, things got worse off the pitch, with family and friend problems."

Now, after a period of reflection, Williams believes he is ready for a fresh start. He expressed a desire to experience life in a new environment, saying: "I want to go somewhere 100% focused and kick on. I'd like to experience that different culture. I'm only 24, so I could do three or four years abroad—definitely Europe at a good club or an upcoming club."

Williams hopes that his time away from the game has allowed him to reset, and he is determined to return next season with renewed focus and determination.