Manchester United Targets Neco Williams for Full-Back Rebuild
Manchester United’s summer plan is starting to take shape – and it now stretches to a raid on a former Liverpool defender.
Neco Williams has emerged as a serious option at right-back, with United registering their interest in the Nottingham Forest defender as Michael Carrick looks to arm his Champions League squad with greater depth and dynamism out wide.
Carrick’s side finished third in the Premier League last season, a return to Europe’s elite that has changed the tone of this window. United are no longer just patching holes; they are trying to build a squad capable of coping with the demands of a long Champions League campaign and a domestic title push.
The recruitment blueprint is clear: at least two midfielders – possibly three – a full-back and a left-winger as a minimum. The first pieces in midfield are already close.
Midfield rebuild: Santos in, Ederson under scrutiny
Andrey Santos has completed his medical and signed his contract with United after agreeing a move from Chelsea. Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X that the Brazilian has put pen to paper, with only the official club announcement to follow.
The Ederson deal is more delicate.
United have an agreement in place with Atalanta and the player, but concerns over a previous knee injury have prompted a second round of checks. Romano explained on his YouTube channel that Ederson will undergo another medical in England this week after an initial assessment in the United States.
The structure is there: verbal agreement, medicals underway, all parties aligned. But United are refusing to rubber-stamp the transfer until their own staff are completely satisfied.
“Is Ederson to Manchester United closed, signed, completed? Not yet at this stage, not yet,” Romano said, stressing that the club will only move once the final medical in England is assessed and their verdict is relayed to Atalanta and the player.
For a club burned in the past by long-term injuries and expensive miscalculations, this is a sign of a more cautious, forensic approach.
Williams interest adds edge to full-back search
While the medical team pore over Ederson’s knee, recruitment staff have turned their attention to the flanks.
Sami Mokbel reports that United have made contact over a move for Neco Williams, with the Nottingham Forest right-back attracting attention from multiple Premier League clubs. Writing for BBC Sport, Mokbel revealed that both Newcastle and Manchester United have registered their interest as Forest continue talks over a new contract for the Wales international.
Williams, once a promising youngster at Liverpool, has rebuilt his reputation at Forest with his energy, aggression and willingness to drive forward from deep. For United, he represents a modern full-back profile: quick, front-foot, and comfortable in high-intensity games.
Newcastle’s presence in the chase adds competitive tension, but Champions League football and the prospect of a prominent role under Carrick could give United an edge if they decide to formalise their interest.
Kone on the radar as United keep midfield options open
The midfield search does not stop with Santos and Ederson.
Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport reports that United are weighing up a move for France international Manu Kone, currently at Roma. The Frenchman has been identified as one of the most attractive options on the market as United look to deepen their options in the middle of the pitch.
Roma value Kone at around €50 million and are prepared to listen to offers that meet that figure. There is no fire sale, no pressure to cash in quickly, but a clear understanding that a significant bid could change the picture.
For United, that kind of profile – powerful, technical, and entering his prime – fits the broader strategy. Build a midfield that can run, press, and control games, not just survive them.
The outline of Carrick’s new-look United is becoming visible: fresh legs in midfield, a sharper edge at full-back, and a squad tuned for the demands of the Champions League.
The question now is simple: how bold will they be in turning interest into decisive action?
