Norwich City have completed the signing of Manchester United defender Brandon Williams.
Williams, aged 20, joins the Canaries on a season-long loan deal and will wear the number 21 shirt.
An England Under-21 international, Williams has spent his entire youth and senior career so far with the Red Devils. He made his professional debut back in September 2019 and has since made 50 appearances for the club, scoring once.
Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Williams said: “It feels very different. It’s the first time I’ve ever played for a different club before but I’m just really excited to get started, meet everybody and get my season going.
“It’s a massive club and I like the way they play. I’ve watched them over the years and seen how they play.
“The club like to play out from the back and play football. That really inspired me to come here, and I think that the head coach can really improve me as a player.
“Everyone has been so welcoming. I’ve really enjoyed my time here already and I can’t wait to meet everybody. I’ve just got a feeling it’ll be a good year.”
Williams’ full debut for the Old Trafford club came as a substitute against Rochdale in the EFL Cup on September 25, 2019. His first start occurred the following week in a Europa League group stage match with AZ Alkmaar.
His Premier League debut came against Liverpool in October 2019 before he made his first league start for United against Brighton and Hove Albion on November 10, 2019 – after the game, he was named man of the match by the club’s supporters.
He scored his first United goal later that month in a draw away at Sheffield United.
On the international stage, Williams has featured for England’s Under-20s and Under-21s.
Head coach Daniel Farke said: “We’re really happy that we have been able to bring Brandon in. This is an exciting deal for all parties, and we thank Manchester United for allowing us the opportunity to work with Brandon.
“Brandon is a young player full of potential. He has already proven that he can perform on the top level and that he is capable of playing for Manchester United. He has many good skills and qualities.
“We wanted to bring someone in who was capable of playing in the full-back positions to strengthen our squad. Brandon has played a lot at left-back for Manchester United, but we know he is also capable of playing on the right side, too.
“With Dimitris Giannoulis we have had only one natural left-back. For that, it’s good to have Brandon in the building and hopefully he can help us achieve our targets.”
Should permission be granted from both the Premier League and the FA, Williams will be in contention to feature in City’s Carabao Cup tie against AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday evening.
