Manchester United is taking a serious look at Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams, the 25-year-old former Liverpool academy product who has quietly become one of the more consistent fullbacks in the Premier League. According to BBC Sport, the club has registered interest in a player who came up through the Reds’ system before moving to Forest in 2022.
Williams has logged 160 appearances for Forest since that transfer. Last season alone he played 53 matches across all competitions, chipping in with six direct goal contributions. That kind of durability stands out, especially for a United squad that has watched Luke Shaw miss significant chunks of multiple seasons with recurring fitness issues.
Why Williams makes sense for United
The left-back spot has been a problem for United. Shaw’s injuries have left the club scrambling for cover year after year, and while Lewis Hall is the preferred target, Newcastle is not exactly looking to hand over a player they view as a long-term piece. That has pushed United to consider alternatives, and Williams fits the profile of someone who can play on either flank.
He started his career as a right-sided fullback at Liverpool but has shifted over to the left for stretches at Forest. That versatility is valuable. It also means he’s not just a backup plan. He’s a guy who has started over 150 games in the Premier League and Championship combined and is still only 25.
But this won’t be a straightforward pickup. Forest still has Williams under contract for three more years and has been working on an extension with improved terms. The club made it through a messy 2025-26 season — three different managers, a 16th-place finish — and Williams was one of the few consistent performers. They’re not eager to let him go.
Newcastle also lurking
United isn’t the only team in the picture. Newcastle United has also expressed interest, which could complicate things. If a bidding war starts, Forest holds all the leverage with that contract length and Williams’ importance to the squad.
For United, midfield is still the glaring hole in the roster. Everyone knows that. But the Shaw situation has forced them into a dual-track approach. You can’t go into another season hoping he stays healthy. That hasn’t worked. Williams might not be the flashiest name on the board, but he’s a proven Premier League player who doesn’t miss games. That alone has value.
Whether a deal gets done before the window closes depends on how badly United wants him and how much Forest decides to dig in. Right now, both sides are waiting to see who blinks first.
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