Manchester United Targets Neco Williams for Full-Back Rebuild

Manchester United’s summer plan is starting to look like a full-scale rebuild rather than a simple refresh – and now it stretches to a former Liverpool defender.

With Champions League football secured after a third-place finish under Michael Carrick, United are moving aggressively in the market, targeting at least two – and possibly three – midfielders, a full-back and a left-winger before the window closes. The tone from Old Trafford is clear: this is not a summer for half-measures.

Neco Williams on United’s radar

Into that context drops a striking name. Neco Williams, once of Liverpool and now a key figure at Nottingham Forest, has emerged as a target as United search for a new right-back.

According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, United have formally registered their interest in Williams and made contact over a potential move, with Newcastle also among the clubs monitoring the situation as Forest continue talks over a new contract for the Wales international.

It is a move that would carry a certain edge. Williams came through at Liverpool, made his senior breakthrough under Jürgen Klopp, and then rebuilt his career at Forest. For United to move for him now, just as he approaches his prime, underlines both their need at full-back and their willingness to be opportunistic in this market.

Forest, for their part, are not under pressure to sell. Any deal would have to make clear financial sense, especially while contract discussions remain ongoing at the City Ground.

Midfield overhaul: Santos done, Ederson waits

While the full-back search gathers pace, United’s midfield rebuild is already deep into execution.

Andrey Santos, the Chelsea midfielder, has completed his medical and signed his contract as a new United player. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal, stating that the club’s official announcement is the only step left.

That one is effectively in the bag. The Ederson deal is not.

United have long had an agreement in place with Atalanta and the player, but concern over a previous knee injury has prompted extra caution. Romano explained on his YouTube channel that Ederson will undergo a further medical in England this week after an initial check in the United States.

The structure of the transfer is ready. The verbal agreements are there. Yet United are refusing to rubber-stamp the move until their medical staff are fully satisfied.

“At the moment, the deal is still not confirmed,” Romano said, stressing that while the framework is agreed, the club will only move to complete the transfer once the additional medical in the UK is assessed and communicated to Atalanta and the player.

It is a reminder that, for all the noise of the window, the medical room can still decide the pace of a rebuild.

Manu Kone also on the list

United’s search for midfield reinforcements does not stop with Santos and Ederson.

Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport reports that the club are weighing up a move for France international Manu Kone, currently at Roma. The 23-year-old has been identified as one of the most attractive options on the market, with Roma valuing him at around €50 million.

Roma are open to listening to offers that meet that valuation. There is no fire sale, no scramble to cash in, but a clear understanding that a significant bid could change the picture quickly.

For United, Kone would fit the profile of a dynamic, modern midfielder to complement the incoming Santos and the potentially incoming Ederson. For Roma, he represents a valuable asset at a time when big Premier League money can reshape a squad in a single window.

A squad in transition – and a statement to rivals

All of this points to a club trying to accelerate through a transition phase rather than drift through it. A new right-back in Williams, a fresh midfield core built around Santos and possibly Ederson and Kone, plus a left-winger still to come – the scale of United’s ambition is obvious.

The interest in Williams, in particular, carries symbolic weight. A former Liverpool defender potentially lining up at Old Trafford, while Newcastle hover with their own interest, frames the move as more than just a depth signing. It is a test of Forest’s resolve, of Williams’ ambitions, and of how far United are prepared to go to give Carrick the tools he wants.

United have made their intentions known. The next few weeks will reveal whether those intentions turn into signatures – and whether this bold rebuild can turn a Champions League return into something much bigger.