Hugely successful manager keen not to lose PL winner to United, his club are pushing to agree new deal – report

Manchester United’s plans to revamp their midfield are well known, but Michael Carrick will be more than aware of the need to strengthen at the back. Currently, the Red Devils only have Luke Shaw as their senior left-back, while changes are also expected at right-back. Noussair Mazraoui has been linked with a move to AC Milan to reunite with Ruben Amorim, which would leave only Diogo Dalot as the recognised right-back. With funds tight and player sales not exactly going according to plan, the ideal recruit would be someone who is versatile and Premier League-proven. Neco Williams fits United’s needs Step up Neco Williams of Nottingham Forest. The 25-year-old can play both as a left-back and right-back, and last season, he garnered two goals and four assists. The Welshman is reportedly keen to move to Old Trafford, but Football Insider have revealed that new Forest boss Oliver Glasner has other plans. Neco Williams Premier League stats StatisticValue Appearances (Sub)142 (34) Goals4 Assists8 Expected Goals (xG)6.68 Expected Assists (xA)9.13 Touches in the Opposition Box192 Penalties (Scored)0 (0) Hit Woodwork4 Free Kicks (Scored)5 (5) Crosses (Completed %)343 (19%) Passes (Completed %)3,706 (78%) Long Passes (Completed %)485 (31%) Corners Taken46 Minutes Played9,789 Dribbles (Completed %)214 (46%) Duels Won730 Aerial Duels Won136 Total Tackles338 Interceptions148 Blocks50 Red Cards1 Yellow Cards26 Fouls118 Offsides12 Own Goals0 career stats The FA Cup and Conference League-winning manager is keen to keep hold of his best players and wants Forest to agree a new deal with the former Liverpool star. Forest are in active talks with the representatives of Neco Williams, and they remain confident of agreeing a new long-term deal. Glasner has asked Forest to stop United at all costs “Nottingham Forest are advancing in contract talks with Neco Williams amid interest from Manchester United, sources have told Football Insider. “Following the arrival of Oliver Glasner, who is determined to keep his best players at Nottingham Forest this summer, they have no plans to let the full-back move on. They’re still hopeful that they can keep the player at the City Ground.” Interestingly, should United firm up on their interest and submit a bid, the player could stop these contract talks. However, with the Premier League winner still having three years left on his current deal, Forest remain in control of the situation and United are unlikely to get their man on the cheap. As a result, INEOS also have an alternative lined up, with Julian Ryerson tipped to make the move should Mazraoui depart. Feature image Gareth Copley via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25