Man Utd learn transfer target could become available - if one thing happens

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Nottingham Forest are being urged to sign a specialist left wing-back to replace Manchester United-linked Neco Williams in the starting eleven.

Williams joined Forest from Liverpool for €20million (£17m) in July 2022 and has gone on to become a fan favourite at the City Ground.

Despite being right-footed, the 25-year-old sparkled when playing as a left-back in a back four under Vitor Pereira last season.

Williams was subsequently named Forest Player of the Season for 2025-26, pipping Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White to the award.

His performances have not gone unnoticed, with BBC Sport claiming Man Utd are admirers of the Wales international.

However, following the appointment of Oliver Glasner in the summer, Forest have switched to a new three-at-the-back system involving wing-backs on either flank.

And according to Forest legend Des Walker, Williams is struggling to adapt to the demands of the formation which Glasner also deployed at Crystal Palace.

When asked if Forest should look to sign a left wing-back who can provide more balance than Williams, Walker told GOAL via Live Football Tickets: “I would, 100 per cent.

“I like having a left-footer there because of the way it opens the pitch up.

“If a right-footed player on the left checks back onto his right foot, the opposition can close him down and effectively cut off a third of the pitch.

“It makes it easier to win the ball back high up the field. A left-footer can open up and suddenly the whole game spreads out.

“Playing wing-back in a back three is slightly different, though, because you’re starting much wider.

“Sometimes you need that quality from a natural left foot when you’re almost standing on the touchline.

“I haven’t seen him play enough in that exact position yet to know whether it suits him.”

Williams - who has registered four goals and 10 assists in 167 appearances for Forest - signed a new contract through to 2030 in September.

Martinez slams United hierarchy over summer recruitment

United were linked with a number of left-backs in the summer transfer window but ultimately failed to strengthen in that position.

The Red Devils reportedly wanted to sign Lewis Hall but Newcastle United refused to sell the defender, who is valued at around €59m (£50m).

United defender Lisandro Martinez launched a scathing attack on the club’s recruitment policy following the 2-0 Champions League defeat by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

The 20-time league champions signed midfield trio Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos - but there were no new additions at left-back or up front.

United shelled out €173.2million (£148.8m) in the summer - considerably less than the likes of Manchester City (€526.20m/£452.1m) and Chelsea (€406.7m/£349.4m).

Arsenal also dished out €227.1m (£195.1m), Liverpool spent €269.6m (£231.6m) and Tottenham expended €366.3m (£314.7m).