Brandon Williams open to staying at Manchester United amid full-back issues and club could struggle to sell injured players

Brandon Williams could stay at Manchester United amid uncertainty in the squad's full-back positions.

Williams, 21, missed the entirety of pre-season through injury but is nearing a return to match fitness and is prepared to reassess his options when the January transfer window opens.

Luke Shaw has been heavily criticised following two dismal performances at left-back and was hauled off at half-time in the 4-0 thrashing by Brentford.

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Summer signing Tyrell Malacia could replace Shaw for the Monday night visit of Liverpool while Diogo Dalot has also struggled at right-back.

United have already loaned out full-backs Alvaro Fernandez, Alex Telles and Ethan Laird and remain keen on shifting right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Crystal Palace are interested in re-signing Wan-Bissaka but are unprepared to offer more than £10million for a player they sold to United for £45m rising to £50m only three years ago.

Although Williams has played most of his career at left-back he is right-footed and started at right-back in his last two starts for United against Leicester and Wolves in May 2021.

Williams spent last season on loan at Norwich, where he started 23 times in the Premier League as the Canaries were relegated straight back down to the Championship.

United could struggle to trim their central defensive department as they approach the final two weeks of the transfer window as Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones are recovering from injury.

Tuanzebe flew home from the pre-season tour after one game and is doing gym-based work as part of his recovery. Jones has barely been seen at the club's Carrington training complex this summer but the 30-year-old has reported for sessions this week.