Brandon Williams reflects on car crash and mental health, aims to revive career

Brandon Williams, the former Manchester United left-back, has been without a club since February 2026 after a turbulent period on and off the pitch. The 25-year-old now hopes to take control of his life and work his way back to the top level.

He joined United aged seven and broke through in September 2019, making 51 appearances while competing with Luke Shaw, before Covid-19 checked his momentum. “We were all on our laptops on Zoom. The lads were in big houses with pools and gyms and I was in my mum’s bedroom using a suitcase as a dumbbell,” he told The Athletic.

Williams moved out of his parents’ home, a decision he calls “one of the worst” he made as loneliness and limited minutes bit. Loans to Norwich and Ipswich, away from his support network, deepened the struggles. After 16 years at the club, his contract ended in 2024 and he spent months at home without a deal. “I did not want to play football any more. It was hard, but I knew I had to improve my mindset, I knew I had to do something,” he said.

In May he caused a car crash while driving at nearly 160 km/h. He received a 14-month suspended sentence, 180 hours of community service and a 3-year driving ban. “It made me grow as a person and made me realise it was real life, not GTA or another video game. I was stupid and immature.”

After an injury-hit spell at Hull City, where he played one minute as they won promotion, he joined Rotherham United for pre-season in England’s fourth tier. Former academy team-mates have supported him. He remains close to Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes, who often sorts him tickets. “That is why he is the captain, he is a top guy,” Williams said, accepting a Premier League return will not happen overnight.

Source: L'Équipe

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