Manchester United Targets Neco Williams for Full-Back Rebuild

Manchester United’s summer plan is starting to take shape, and it now stretches all the way to the right flank – and to a former Liverpool defender.

With Champions League football secured after a third-place finish under Michael Carrick, United have moved aggressively into the market. Two midfielders are close, more are being lined up, and now a new full-back has been pulled into focus.

United move for ex-Liverpool full-back

Neco Williams, a player Liverpool once deemed surplus to requirements and who has rebuilt his reputation at Nottingham Forest, is on United’s radar.

Respected reporter Sami Mokbel has revealed that United have made contact over a potential move for the Forest right-back, with Newcastle also among the clubs to have registered their interest as talks continue over a new contract at the City Ground.

For United, it fits a clear pattern. The club want at least two, possibly three midfielders, a full-back and a left-winger as a minimum this window. Williams would tick a key box: Premier League-proven, entering his prime, and capable of playing high up the pitch in an aggressive system.

Forest, though, are negotiating from a position of relative calm. They are in discussions over a new deal and are not under pressure to sell, which means any bid from Old Trafford will need to be decisive rather than opportunistic.

Midfield overhaul: Santos done, Ederson waits

While Williams emerges as a target, United’s midfield rebuild is already deep into execution.

Andrey Santos has completed his medical, signed his contract and will join from Chelsea. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on X, stating that the Brazilian has signed as a new Manchester United player, with an official club announcement to follow.

The second piece of the midfield puzzle is more delicate. Ederson, the Atalanta midfielder, has long had an agreement in place with United and all parties have a verbal understanding. Romano, speaking on his YouTube channel, explained that Ederson is scheduled for another medical in England this week after an initial check in the United States.

United’s staff want to run further tests, with reported concerns over a previous knee injury prompting a second look. The deal, Romano stressed, is not yet “closed, signed, completed.” Everything is agreed in principle, but the final green light hinges on how those medical results land and what United then communicate to Atalanta and the player.

It’s a reminder that even seemingly done deals can still twist late in the window.

Manu Kone under consideration

The search does not stop with Santos and Ederson.

Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport reports that United are weighing up an offer 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 continue to seek midfield reinforcements.

Roma value Kone at €50 million and are open to listening to offers that meet that figure. There is no fire sale, no scramble to cash in, only the acceptance that “when faced with significant offers, any scenario can materialise.”

For United, that presents both an opportunity and a test of how far they are willing to push this rebuild in a single window.

A window that could redefine Carrick’s United

Santos through the door. Ederson in limbo, waiting on a crucial medical. Kone monitored. Williams targeted, with Newcastle lurking and Forest holding firm.

United wanted a summer of change. They are getting one. The only question now is how bold they are prepared to be before the window slams shut.