Man United eyeing Neco Williams as sensible squad rebuild option

Man United Eye Neco Williams in Sensible Squad Rebuild Move

Manchester United’s reported interest in Neco Williams feels like one of the more sensible transfer stories circulating ahead of the summer window. The Nottingham Forest and Wales right-back, formerly of Liverpool, is said to be on the Old Trafford club’s radar as Erik ten Hag looks to reshape his defensive options.

Background: Williams’ Journey and Profile

Neco Williams, 23, came through Liverpool’s academy and made his senior debut in 2020. He impressed during a loan spell at Fulham in 2021-22, helping them win the Championship, before joining Nottingham Forest for £16m in July 2022. At Forest, he has made 52 Premier League appearances, contributing two assists. Known for his attacking forays and crosses, Williams also offers versatility, capable of playing as a wing-back in a back three or as a traditional full-back. Defensively, he has improved his positioning and tackling, though he remains more potent going forward.

Tactical Context: Where Williams Fits at Old Trafford

Ten Hag’s system demands full-backs who can provide width and support attacks. Diogo Dalot has been the first-choice right-back, but his consistency has been questioned. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, while defensively solid, lacks the attacking output required. Williams’ style aligns with Ten Hag’s preference for energetic, overlapping full-backs. In possession, he would offer an option to stretch opposition defences, particularly in narrow games where United have struggled to break down low blocks. However, Williams would need to refine his defensive discipline against top-quality wingers, an area where Ten Hag’s coaching could be pivotal.

Transfer Market Context: Fee and Competition

Williams is valued at around £15-20m, a reasonable sum in today’s market for a homegrown player with Premier League experience. Compared to other full-back targets like Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, valued at £40m+) or Denzel Dumfries (Inter Milan, £30m+), Williams represents a more cost-effective option, freeing funds for other priorities such as a striker or centre-back. However, United face competition from Crystal Palace, who are also interested. Forest may be reluctant to sell after narrowly avoiding relegation, but a structured bid could tempt them, especially if player-plus-cash deals are considered.

Impact on Ten Hag’s Defensive Rebuild

United have conceded 56 goals in the Premier League this season, their worst defensive record in over a decade. Ten Hag has prioritised a younger, more dynamic backline. Williams, at 23, fits the profile. His arrival could allow Dalot to shift to left-back, where he has also featured, or provide healthy competition. The signing would signal a shift towards full-backs who can contribute in the final third, a hallmark of successful modern sides. However, Williams alone won’t solve United’s defensive issues; a commanding centre-back and a defensive midfielder remain essential.

Williams averages 1.2 key passes per 90, higher than Wan-Bissaka’s 0.6.
He creates 0.8 chances per game, similar to Dalot (0.9) but with a better cross completion rate (28% vs 22%).
Defensively, he makes 2.1 tackles per game compared to Wan-Bissaka’s 3.0, but his possession win rate is 58% versus 52%.

Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Implications

Williams is currently priced at £4.4m in FPL, making him a budget defensive option. At United, if he becomes a starter, he could offer value at around £5.0m given his attacking threat. United’s fixtures in early 2026 are favourable (home to Wolves, away to Leicester), so FPL managers should monitor his game time in pre-season. He could be a viable fifth defender or squad rotation option.

What’s Next for United and Williams

Manchester United are expected to formalise their interest with a bid in early July. Ten Hag wants most transfer business done before pre-season tours begin in the US. Williams is reportedly open to a move to compete for a starting spot. If the deal goes through, it would represent a low-risk, high-upside addition to United’s squad, aiding their rebuild without breaking the bank. The focus will then shift to offloading fringe players to balance the books.