Manchester United Pursue Neco Williams for Full-Back Rebuild
Manchester United’s summer plan is starting to take shape – and it now stretches to the right flank, with former Liverpool defender Neco Williams emerging as a serious option.
Fresh from a third-place finish under Michael Carrick and with Champions League football back on the menu, United are pushing hard to upgrade key areas of the squad. The brief is ambitious: at least two, possibly three midfielders, a full-back and a left-winger before the window closes. The club want depth, but more than that, they want a higher calibre of starter.
Two midfield deals are already deep into the final stretch. Andrey Santos has completed his medical and signed his contract, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the agreement and a club statement expected to follow. That one is essentially parked, waiting only for the formalities.
Ederson, though, is a different story – still moving, but with a slight wobble in the stride.
United have an agreement in place with Atalanta and the player, and Romano has been clear that the framework of the deal remains intact. The Brazilian underwent an initial medical in the United States, but concerns over a previous knee issue have prompted the club to order a second, more detailed examination in England this week. Only once their own medical staff have combed through the data will United sign off and relay their stance to Atalanta and Ederson.
So the midfield rebuild is close, but not yet sealed. And while that plays out in the background, attention has swung sharply to the back line.
United move for Neco Williams
Sami Mokbel has revealed that Manchester United have made contact over Nottingham Forest right-back Neco Williams, with the Wales international now firmly on their radar. Newcastle United are also understood to have registered interest as Forest continue talks over a new contract for the 23-year-old.
Williams has rebuilt his Premier League reputation at the City Ground after leaving Liverpool, and his blend of energy, crossing quality and aggression out of possession has not gone unnoticed. For United, who have long needed fresh legs and reliability in the full-back areas, the profile makes sense.
Forest, for their part, are in no rush to sell and are still working on extending his deal. But once a player of that age and potential attracts Champions League clubs – and more than one – the dynamics around any renewal shift quickly.
Another midfield target: Manu Kone
United’s recruitment drive does not stop with Santos and Ederson. In Italy, Corriere Dello Sport report that the club are weighing up a move for France international Manu Kone, currently at Roma.
The Frenchman has been identified as one of the most attractive midfield options on the market, with Roma valuing him at around €50 million. The stance from the Italian side is clear: there is no urgency to sell, no need for a fire sale, but any serious offer that meets their asking price will be listened to.
For United, Kone represents another step towards reshaping a midfield that has too often lacked legs, control and balance in recent seasons. If Santos brings energy and progression, and Ederson adds power and versatility, Kone would offer yet another layer of dynamism and technical security.
Carrick’s side are not just tweaking around the edges. They are trying to build a group capable of handling the demands of the Premier League and the Champions League in the same breath.
The question now is simple: can United turn this aggressive intent – Santos signed, Ederson under the microscope, Williams and Kone in their sights – into a squad that finally looks ready to stay at the top, rather than just visit it?
