Boss discusses Williams loan stories

The homegrown full-back has been the subject of speculation surrounding possible interest from Southampton for some time and, ahead of the transfer window opening next month, the reports have resurfaced.

He has made five senior appearances this term, after a breakthrough campaign in 2019/20, and featured in this term's Premier League for the first time in the excellent 3-2 victory against the Saints. 

Under-23s lead coach Neil Wood revealed the 20-year-old had asked to play in the Manchester derby at Premier League 2 level last weekend, and the local lad was typically combative during the 2-2 draw with the Blues.

It was another chance to show Ole he is regaining top form and the manager has reiterated his faith in the young defender.

"Brandon has done really well since he came into the team," said Ole. "He had a slow start to the season for different reasons. I think he's now coming back to himself.

“I can see more Brandon being Brandon again. I've enjoyed seeing him, I've enjoyed him more in training, he's played a couple of Under-23s games and has been more involved.

“That's something we'll look at in January but we highly rate Brandon so whoever's interested, they're not wrong.

Williams will hope to be in the squad for the game at Sheffield United, the fixture in which he scored his first senior goal last season with an unerring volley.

Meanwhile, Solskjaer has also discussed another of his young players who has been performing well in the Under-23s - Facundo Pellistri.

The Uruguayan arrived from Penarol on deadliine day and Ole said: "He started training with the first team, he did well but we couldn't give him game-time so we thought we'd give him a run of games in the Under-23s now.

“He's benefitted from that. His confidence must have been given a boost. He's shown in all the games that he can impact the game."

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