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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Marcus Banks

Brandon Williams stats in Manchester United's win against Brighton laid bare

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has another team selection dilemma to contend with after the weekend's win against Brighton.

With Ashley Young suspended and Luke Shaw still injured, youngster Brandon Williams was handed his first start in the Premier League at left-back.

The 19-year-old wasn't fazed by the occasion and delivered an assured first-half performance as United entered the interval two goals to the good.

Williams comfortably dealt with the threat of Leandro Trossard, the man who had scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, as well as contributing to the United attack.

In the first half, the England U20 international had completed 100 per cent of his final third passes, take-ons and tackles as well as completing 90 per cent of his passes.

The youngster found himself in unfamiliar territory in the second-half, bursting into the penalty box, but Matthew Ryan was on hand to deny him the chance to open his account for United.

Williams was also solid defensively, winning seven out of his nine defensive duels, making six interceptions as well as completing five ball recoveries. He received a deserved standing ovation from Old Trafford for the display.

His performance hands Solskjaer a major selection dilemma with Young back from suspension and Shaw nearing a comeback from injury.

Crucial Premier League fixtures against Manchester City and Tottenham are on the horizon and Manchester United fans have already decided that Williams should be given the chance to start.

Solskjaer must now make the tough decision on whether to keep the youngster in the side or return to his tried and tested experienced options.

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