Williams will be right insists boss Solskjaer!
OLE Gunnar Solskjaer believes Brandon Williams must focus on developing as a right-back for United.
The 20-year-old was one of the surprise success stories of last season when he broke through at left-back and started in all four of their semifinal fixtures, signing a new contract until 2024.
However, United recruited specialist left-back Alex Telles from Porto in the summer to compete with Luke Shaw and Williams has been restricted to two starts all campaign.
The United academy graduate lined up at right-back in the FA Cup third round win over Watford as United expect Timothy Fosu-Mensah to leave and Solskjaer felt Williams was one of the Reds’ ‘positives’ on the night.
“I thought he had a very good game,” Solskjaer opined. “Of course, he’s not played for a while, he’s playing on the right-hand side. We want him to go and be an attacking full-back and it might be easier for him on the right side. But very pleased with Brandon, one of the positives.”
Donny van de Beek completed 90 minutes for just the fourth time for United amid concerns in his native Holland over a lack of playing time.
He flourished for Ajax primarily as a playmaker but started in a deeper role for United against Watford and Solskjaer was encouraged by some of his play.
“I think Donny showed again his qualities, his pace,” added the Reds boss. “He’s very clean, technically, makes good decisions, a little flick with the backheel to play Juan [Mata] through in the first half.
“He’s got that quality to open up games and he’ll benefit from this as well.”