Williams scored his first United goal in the 3-3 draw with Sheffield United

Manchester United have shelved plans to sign a left back thanks to the emergence of Brandon Williams, who has put Luke Shaw’s position in the team under serious threat.

United had scoured the market for a left back — Ben Chilwell of Leicester City was one of a number of options the club were considering — but they now believe that the position does not need strengthening because of Williams’s emergence.

Williams, 19, has been one of the few highlights of what has otherwise been a disappointing season so far for United. The teenager, who came through the club’s academy, has grasped his opportunity to impress after Shaw suffered a hamstring injury in August.

Williams made his debut in United’s Carabao Cup victory on penalties