Who is Brandon Williams? Manchester United starlet set to feature on bench against PSG

United’s long injury list along and Paul Pogba’s suspension has forced Solskjaer to call up several youth players

When James Garner made his Manchester United senior debut in the closing stages of their win at Selhurst Park last week, the proud reaction of the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the coaching staff was one of the most beautiful moments of United’s season so far.

A club that prides itself on bringing through youth gave a debut to their 230th academy graduate, and tomorrow evening in Paris that number could increase to 231.

Enter Brandon Williams. The 18-year-old full-back and local lad is set to feature on the bench in United’s second leg tie against Paris Saint-Germain as the Red Devils look to overturn a 2-0 first leg deficit.

United’s long injury list along with Paul Pogba’s suspension has forced Solskjaer to call up several youth players.

Williams joins fellow youth products Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Tahith Chong, James Garner, Angel Gomes and Mason Greenwood in United’s matchday squad.

Playing Style and Experience

Williams is a left-back who is comfortable playing on either flank, but he has featured predominantly as a left-back when representing and captaining United at under-18’s level.

He’s demonstrated an eye for goal too, Williams has found the net three times in just 11 games for the under-18’s- not bad for a full-back.

His impressive form for the under-18’s was rewarded last early last month when he was handed his under-23’s debut against Southampton.

Williams has also appeared five times for United in the UEFA Youth League, and his debut in another UEFA competition could be just around the corner.

United’s first-choice left-back Luke Shaw is enjoying his finest season yet since he joined the club in 2014.

Shaw has had his injury problems over the years though, and if he pulls up in Paris then there could be a chance for Williams to impress.

The task of marking Kylian Mbappe is a daunting task for any full-back, and should Williams make his mark in Paris he would be thrown in at the very deep end.

Williams has impressed in United’s U18 team (Getty)

Which coaches have had an impact on Williams’ development?

Just before Christmas, Williams spoke fondly about the influence of first-team coaches Michael Carrick and Kieran McKenna on the under-18’s squad who won the Premier League North title last season.

“Obviously Kieran’s gone up to the first team and Carrick’s there,” Williams said.

“And they speak to us and we train with the first team and are always around them, so we look up to them and see what they are doing and try to follow them.

“[Carrick] came in and congratulated us and is happy with us. It’s good to have them up there because Kieran was our manager last year, he knows our abilities and knows what we’re capable of and when we get the chance then we take it.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been impressed by the youngster (Getty)

What does the boss think?

“Brandon is a full-back who can play both sides, quick. It’s the first time he travels with us, he didn’t expect to come, but that’s part of being here that suddenly you’re called upon, why you’re in the academy.” Solskjaer said.

“We believe in you and suddenly you have to step up that’s why we have good coaches to make them ready.

“I think every young player who plays at this club is dreaming about coming on and having the impact that Rashy [Rashford] had.

“There have been so many examples of that and they must have the belief to make it.”