Former Man Utd player faces up to two years in prison less than a year after being released by Premier League club

Former Manchester United left-back Brandon Williams may face a prison sentence of up to two years after pleading guilty to dangerous driving. The 24-year-old was recorded driving an Audi A3 at speeds reaching 99 mph near Handforth, Cheshire, on August 20, 2023, as reported by the Crown Prosecution Service and relayed by BBC News. Following the incident, he received treatment for injuries at a hospital before being taken into custody at the Middlewich facility.

Williams admitted to charges of dangerous driving and operating a vehicle without third-party insurance, both of which carry a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

According to Andrew Madden, a senior prosecutor with the Crown Prosecution Service, witnesses observed Williams accelerating and then braking abruptly, indicating a lack of control over the vehicle. “The driving was erratic and the speed was grossly excessive. Eventually, Williams lost complete control and crashed,” Madden stated. The 24-year-old is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9 at Chester Crown Court.

At the time of the incident, Williams was under contract with Manchester United but was on loan to Ipswich Town, a club in the Championship. He has since been released by Manchester United and is currently without a club. Williams made his debut for United in 2019 during an EFL Cup match against Rochdale, followed by a start in a Europa League game against AZ Alkmaar shortly thereafter. He made his Premier League debut against Liverpool at Old Trafford on October 20, 2019.

Williams caught the attention of then-United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer during an away match against Partizan Belgrade, where he was awarded Man of the Match. “For me, Brandon was man of the match,” Solskjaer remarked after the game. “He’s been fantastic in the few games he’s played. The boy has no fear; he is as brave as a lion, and he secured us the win.” He further praised Williams, stating, “Brandon has an absolutely great attitude. The boy is going to be a top, top player.”

Williams’ efforts over the 2019/20 season earned him a four-year deal at United thought to be worth around £65,000 per week, as per Daily Mail.

The full-back was loaned to Norwich for the 2021/22 season before joining their rivals Ipswich on loan ahead of the 2023/24 season and made 17 appearances for the Tractor Boys.