Manchester United are prepared to send Ethan Williams on loan according to reports.
The 19 year old was a key figure for the u18s in their treble winning season last year but hasn’t found a consistent run in the early parts of this season after picking up a red card in the u21s league opener.
A two footed winger, Williams has four goals this season so far after bagging 17 last year.
Football Insider have reported that “Stockport and Leyton Orient are two of many EFL clubs who have made contact with United about a deal for the 19-year-old this month.”
Williams was involved in the early proceedings of the summer pre-season tour under Erik ten Hag but seemingly didn’t impress enough to keep his spot as the more senior players returned.
But that isn’t Williams’ only exposure to senior football, the youngster also spent time training with Jim Ratcliffe’s FC Lausanne Sport in October alongside fellow academy players Jack Kingdon and Habeeb Ogunneye.
The interested clubs, Stockport and Leyton Orient are separated by just one point in the League One table as they battle it out for a play-off position.
Both clubs share a connection with United as Leyton Orient are managed by former United academy graduate Richie Wellens, meanwhile Stockport hold a long term connection with United due to their proximity in Greater Manchester.
It hasn’t been revealed who is likelier to win the race but Stockport could be a more attractive route due to their location as well as the fact that they often deploy a three at the back system.
If United are looking to prepare Williams for a shot under Ruben Amorim, a loan where he plays at wingback will afford him the best opportunity.
Typically playing as a winger, Williams does have some experience as a wingback in the academy including a stellar display against Middlesbrough u18s in the 2022/23 season where he scored both goals in a 2-0 win from the left wing back position.
Such is his two footedness, Williams often takes set pieces off of either foot and it allows him to twist defenders inside and out with the option to go either way.
The youngster’s skillset and work rate lend himself perfectly to Amorim’s wingback role stylistically and a successful loan could be the first step to earning his chance ahead of next season.
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Colm Murphy
A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.
