The 24-year-old footballer Brandon Williams, a product of Manchester United’s academy, is now facing a serious trial after crashing a car under the influence of nitrous oxide in 2023.
According to the Daily Mail, Williams has now pleaded guilty in the case and faces up to two years in prison. The verdict is expected to be handed down on 9 May.
Read: Manchester United unbelievably have a big advantage in signing battle with Arsenal and Liverpool
The event that generated the headlines
In 2023, Williams was accused of driving at over 160 km/h under the influence of nitrous oxide (distic oxide), which has drug class “C” in the UK. Williams initially denied the charges, which led to a lengthy legal process.
Nitrous oxide has become a growing problem in English football, with several high-profile players being caught with the drug. Williams’ case has attracted special attention due to the speed and seriousness of the accident.
Careers at Manchester United and loans
Williams, who was raised in Manchester United’s academy, made his first-team debut in the 2019/20 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He impressed as a young full-back and made a total of 51 appearances for United, several of them in the Premier League and Europa League.
But eventually he fell out of favour, and in recent years he was loaned out to first Norwich City (2021/22) and then Ipswich Town (2023)
In the summer of 2023, he left Manchester United permanently, but has since failed to find a new club. Now, his career could face an even bigger challenge depending on the outcome of the trial.
If Williams is sentenced to prison, it could put an abrupt end to his football career. Even with a lighter sentence, it could be difficult for him to find a new club due to the negative headlines.
The football world is watching closely – not least because the case sheds light on the ongoing problem of drug use among young, promising players.
Read on F7: Ronny Deila showed the owners of Manchester City who is the king of MLS
