Former Manchester United defender Brandon Williams is on trial with League Two side Rotherham United. The 25-year-old full-back is looking to get his professional career back on track and could have a lifeline with the Millers, who have been taken over by Alex Bruce, son of United legend Steve Bruce.
Williams was spotted in Rotherham colours as their pre-season preparations went up a gear with a runout against non-league side Parkgate FC. The United academy graduate appeared to be afforded some minutes against the semi-professional side during the second-half, and comments from Bruce suggest that he could be in line for a new club ahead of the new season.
Bruce on Williams' potential
"Brandon has a good pedigree," Bruce told the Rotherham Advertiser. "He's worked with the very best and played against the best. He was showing me a game between Manchester United and Liverpool at Anfield where he was playing. We know what he's capable of. He's had a tough couple of years. He's not done a proper pre-season for two or three years now and he's had a few problems with injuries."
"It's a case of just seeing where he's at, getting a good pre-season into him and seeing where we go with it. He's going to continue training, we're going to have a good look at him. I think he's enjoyed it here so far. So we'll give him time, get the fitness levels into him and then, when both parties are happy, we'll try to make a decision."
Williams' struggles since leaving Old Trafford
Williams has struggled since leaving Old Trafford, going 20 months without a professional game before signing for Hull City last year. His move to the Tigers came 14 months after being released by his boyhood club; however, he left in February by mutual consent, making just one appearance as a substitute.
Last May, he was handed a 14-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, after crashing his Audi A3 in 2023. The full-back was convicted of dangerous driving after crashing at almost 100mph, hitting a Ford Fiesta and careering into a central reservation in Cheshire.
Williams' commitment to bouncing back
The 25-year-old reiterated his commitment to bouncing back and reigniting his career in professional football following the incident. Speaking in May 2025, he said: "It hurts me watching football now because I just want to be there, I just want to play. I miss being in a team, on the coach, travelling to games, having meals together and just doing things. I want to have that feeling again of winning and being around the changing room environment."
"I've had loads of teams trying to get me out - America, Europe and England - but I haven't been ready. I want to go somewhere 100 per cent focused and kick on. I would like to experience that different culture. I'm only 24 so I could do three or four years abroad. Definitely Europe at a good club or an upcoming club."
