Williams, now 25, once earned £3.4 million a year at Old Trafford and was tipped for a bright future under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He made 51 appearances for Manchester United after debuting in September 2019, but his playing time dwindled under Erik ten Hag as his off-field life began to spiral.

In May 2025, Williams received a 14-month suspended sentence for dangerous driving after crashing his Audi A3 at almost 100 mph on 20 August 2023. He hit a Ford Fiesta and veered into the central reservation of the A34 in Cheshire, leading to a conviction for dangerous driving. Williams admitted to past use of nitrous oxide and described his actions as “stupid stuff,” adding, “I look back at myself now and think what an idiot I was.”

After his conviction, Williams’ Manchester United career unravelled. He was released in August 2025 and joined Hull City on a short-term deal, but left by mutual consent in February after just one substitute appearance. Loan spells at Norwich City and Ipswich Town also failed to reignite his career, leaving him without a professional game for 20 months.

Now, Williams is training with League Two side Rotherham United this summer. He featured in a pre-season friendly against Parkgate on Friday night and told reporters, “I’ve let a lot of people down, to be honest, and I want to prove a lot of people wrong as well.”

Rotherham manager Alex Bruce, son of veteran manager Steve Bruce, acknowledged Williams’ pedigree and experience against top clubs. “He’s had a tough couple of years,” Bruce said. “We’ll give him time, get his fitness levels up and then, when both parties are happy, we’ll make a decision.” The Millers, targeting promotion back to League One, expect Williams to receive more game time as they prepare for the new season.

Bruce also revealed that former Manchester United assistant Steve McClaren serves as Rotherham’s Head of Football, providing further context to the club’s technical leadership during Williams’ trial period.

\n\nThe contrast between Williams’ past promise and present reality is stark. Once a £3.4 million defender at one of England’s biggest clubs, he is now fighting for a place in the fourth tier, with his future dependent on fitness, form, and Rotherham’s patience.

Williams’ journey underscores the fragility of professional careers, where off-field missteps can derail even the most promising trajectories.

\n\nFor Rotherham, the gamble on Williams is a calculated risk. The club’s promotion push hinges on squad depth, and his experience against top-flight opposition could prove valuable if he rediscovers his form.

\n\nWilliams’ next steps will be closely watched as the new season approaches, with his redemption arc still very much in its early stages.

\n\nThe 25-year-old’s story serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in professional football, where talent alone is no longer a guarantee of longevity.",