Bruno Fernandes is preparing to lead Manchester United into another Premier League season, and former teammate Brandon Williams has revealed a gesture that highlights the captain's class.
Fernandes' Support for Williams
Since joining from Sporting CP in 2020, Fernandes has been a key player for United, lifting the Carabao Cup and FA Cup and setting a top-flight single-season assist record with 21 assists last term. Despite tough times, including a 15th-place finish in the 2024/25 season, Fernandes' influence extends beyond the pitch.
Williams, a product of United's academy, told The Athletic that Fernandes still messages him and gets him tickets for games. He said: "That's why he's the captain, he's an unreal guy."
Williams' Career and Challenges
Williams joined United at age seven and made his first-team debut in 2019. He made 51 appearances for the club before loan spells at Norwich City and Ipswich Town. In 2023, he was involved in a traffic collision on the A34 near Wilmslow/Handforth, leading to charges of dangerous driving and driving without third-party insurance.
He initially denied the charges but pleaded guilty in March 2025 and was sentenced in May to 14 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years, a three-year driving disqualification, and 180 hours of unpaid community work. Eyewitnesses reported erratic driving, though prosecutors noted no evidence of legal impairment.
Rebuilding His Career
Williams is currently without a club after leaving Hull City by mutual consent in February. He has been training with League Two side Rotherham but is unsure about securing a contract. He remains in contact with fellow former teammates Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire.
Reflecting on his career, Williams said: "I've only just started to look back and be like, 'I actually did something.' I actually played for United 51 times. It's something to be proud of." He added: "My nan is on at me because she's got a frame where it's me playing at 18, 19, 20 and 21. Every time I go and see her, she points at it and says, 'I want you to be doing that again.' That's my motivation."
