Manchester United manager Kieran McKenna played a key role in helping Brandon Williams earn the trust of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, according to reports.
Williams made his Red Devils debut against Rochdale in the Carabao Cup last week and impressed as the club drew 0-0 against AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.
And The Athletic claim McKenna has played a role in the player’s rise to the Manchester United first-team.
It is claimed that Williams was switched from right-back to left-back at under-16 level by the United coach.
McKenna thought that with Ethan Laird ahead of the player in his natural position, switching flanks would give him a better chance to improve.
And that’s now paid off with Williams beating Laird to the Red Devils first team.
Williams was solid on his first United star, nullifying the threat of Alkmaar star Calvin Stengs.
He also showed he was a tough character, pushing Dani de Wit in the chest after the midfielder had thrown the ball over his head.
Meanwhile, speaking after his side’s drab Europa League draw, Solskjaer lavished praise on his 19-year-old prodigy.
“You won’t see a better full debut from a full back anywhere,” he said.
“The boy is just going to improve and improve.
“He’s got the right mentality. I’m very pleased for him.”
Williams will now focus on nailing down a spot in the United first team, with the left-back slot up for grabs.
There are concerns at Old Trafford that Luke Shaw, the club’s current pick for that position, lacks the mindset to improve his game.
Shaw has blown hot and cold ever since his arrival from Southampton back in the summer of 2014.
And that means there’s a chance for another player to make his mark.
Marcos Rojo can play in that area, too, but the Argentina international isn’t fancied by Solskjaer.
He would have left in the summer but the club’s owners, the Glazers, blocked his exit to Everton.
Axel Tuanzebe performed in the position against Arsenal on Monday.
But it remains to be see if the United star is able to hold it down, or will instead revert back to centre-back.
