Once Hailed as Luke Shaw’s Heir, the Defender Now Faces a Career Cliff After Dangerous Driving Conviction – What Went Wrong?
Brandon Williams, once tipped to be Manchester United’s future at left-back, has found himself jobless and on the fringes of the sport he once dazzled in. The 24-year-old, who made over 50 appearances for United and was once considered the long-term replacement for the injury-prone Luke Shaw, hasn’t played a senior game since December 2023 and is now clouded by legal troubles.
After failing to convince Erik ten Hag he deserved a spot in the squad, Williams was quietly sidelined—his work ethic and focus questioned. A brief stint at Ipswich Town did little to restore his status. Off the pitch, his situation worsened when he received a 14-month suspended jail sentence and a 3-year driving ban following a dangerous high-speed crash in Cheshire in August 2023, where he was accused of showing off to a female passenger. The court heard he had been driving erratically at 99mph.
Despite once earning £65,000-per-week and representing England at youth levels, Williams’ future in professional football is uncertain. Reports suggest he lost focus after early stardom and wealth, ignoring sound advice. His contract expired in June 2024, and no club picked him up—despite interest from Rangers that never materialized.
With a two-year suspended sentence looming over his head and no club to call home, the Crumpsall-born full-back must now find a way back—if there is one. From United prodigy to unemployed and disgraced, Williams’ fall is a cautionary tale of lost direction amid fame and
fortune.
