Manchester United have received some optimistic news in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest full-back Neco Williams. The Red Devils remain on the hunt for a new left-back as part of succession plans for Luke Shaw. The Englishman is currently the club’s longest-serving player and is also coming off an impressive campaign. Shaw started all 38 league games in the 2025/26 season, and became only the fifth United player to do so in the Premier League era. However, he recently turned 31 and also has a history of niggling injuries. INEOS, as such, are keen to bolster the position before the start of the new season. A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that United have identified Williams as an option for the job this summer. Proven in the Premier League INEOS have focused heavily on Premier League-proven targets in recent times, and the trend has continued with their acquisition of Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Williams’ experience in the English top flight, as such, makes him the ideal target to eventually fill Shaw’s boots at the Theatre of Dreams. The Welshman rose through the ranks at Anfield, but failed to secure a regular run with the senior side. He left Liverpool in 2022 to move to Nottingham Forest permanently, and has since turned into one of the finest in his position in the league. Williams has made 142 appearances in the Premier League to date, and has registered four goals and eight assists. 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 Source: Premier League website. Williams’ ability to operate as a full-back and a wing-back, coupled with his attacking instincts, make him a fantastic choice for United. The 25 year old is also capable of operating on either flank, and his relentless running is likely to bode well with Michael Carrick’s tactics. An update on his future has now emerged that will delight Red Devils fans. Williams open to United move According to TEAMtalk, Williams is ready to join United this summer. The report states: “Manchester United and Newcastle United have both expressed interest in Nottingham Forest right-back Neco Williams, while Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the Welsh international, TEAMtalk can confirm.” “Sources close to the player have stated that a move to Manchester United would particularly appeal to Williams, despite his long-standing links with Liverpool after coming through their academy. The 25-year-old is understood to be keen on moving amid interest from the two Premier League clubs, although no formal approaches have yet been made.” The report, however, insists that Forest are keen to hold on to their prized asset and are already engaged in “constructive” renewal talks. The West Bridgford club are ready to offer Williams a pay hike and are confident that their proposal will be enough to convince the player to continue his stay at the City Ground. However, the report acknowledges that all could change if any of the Welsh full-back’s suitors arrive at the table with an offer. Williams is under contract with Forest until 2029, so Forest are under no pressure to let him leave. Final Thoughts United also have their eyes on Lewis Hall, who has been outstanding for Newcastle United of late. However, prising the 21 year old away from St. James’ Park could be a costly affair and Williams could be a cheaper alternative. Featured 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 Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
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