Brandon Williams issues emotional statement after being released by Man Utd prompting club to respond

Manchester United have responded to an emotional statement issued by Brandon Williams after he was released by the club.

On Wednesday United announced that Williams, 23, will leave the club when his contract expires this summer.

The left-back is a product of United's famed academy having first joined the club when he was nine years old.

After making his first-team debut in a League Cup tie in September 2019, Williams made 51 appearances for United before spending time on loan at Norwich City and Ipswich Town.

Last season Williams made 17 appearances for Ipswich as former United assistant coach Kieran McKenna guided them to promotion to the Premier League.

On Friday afternoon Williams shared an emotional farewell message to his social media channels, along with a highlights reel of his time in the academy and first team.

"I always hoped I would have never had to make this post but here we are. Since the age of 7 this Manchester United football club has been part of my life from the Cliff to Carrington day in day out," the defender wrote.

"But to have been able to make brothers which will last a lifetime I want to thank my teammates, especially the ones I’ve shared the past 17 years with.

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"Thank you to the staff the kitmen, maintenance workers, security, and physios I could go on and on you were all amazing and of course the coaches.

"Then most importantly THANKYOU to you fans the backbone of the club the reason we work so hard for to be able to perform at the highest level because you all deserve it. Watch this space ! OVERANDOUT. ONCE A RED ALWAYS A RED."

United's official Instagram account commented on the post, writing: "It’s been a privilege watching you grow from a boy to man, Brandon. We’ll be following your next steps with a close eye and be behind you every step of the way. Once a Red, always a Red."