1
Manchester United youngster Ethan Williams has given his reaction to making his debut for loan club Falkirk last weekend.
Williams joins Falkirk
Williams sealed a loan move to Falkirk during the final stages of the summer transfer window, after United deemed it the right step for his development.
Before departing, he put pen to paper on a new deal running until 2028, with the option of an additional 12 months.
He spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign out on loan at Cheltenham Town, where he impressed. After catching the eye of Ruben Amorim in pre-season training, Williams was included in United’s travelling squad to the United States.
The 19-year-old came off the bench to score in a 4-1 win over Bournemouth in Chicago.
Williams made his bow for Falkirk on Saturday as the Scottish Premiership outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of St.Mirren.
The forward spoke to The Falkirk Herald and shared his thoughts on his first taste of action with Falkirk and also opened up on his regular chats with United Under-18s boss Darren Fletcher.
Williams’ comments
Williams said about speaking to Fletcher, “I’ve been a United fan for a long time. Him being in the team with the likes of Ronaldo and Rooney, they were the glory days of Manchester United. It’s quite an unreal experience when you step back and think ‘wow’ I’m actually talking with Darren Fletcher. It’s a mad experience for a young kid. But being up here and around it is a good thing.”
“Darren was one of the first team assistant coaches, he’s with the under-18s now but I’m in contact with him. He knows the game and is a big part of Manchester United. He’s someone that is looking to help me in my journey. He’s been asking how everything’s going.”
“I told him I’ve settled well and the team is really welcoming. Everyone is really heartwarming with me and getting around the lads has been a good experience.”
“I played about 15 minutes against Bournemouth in Chicago in the summer. We won 4-1 and I scored. The whole team was really warming to me and the other young players. To play and score on tour was life changing. Something I will never forget. Coming off the back of that, getting the opportunity to play here in a good league against good teams is really important to me. I just can’t wait to get my foot in the door and start pushing for starts.”
On his start to life at Falkirk, Williams remarked, “It was a really proud moment and I’m thankful the manager trusts me and gave me minutes. On a different day we’d maybe have a different result – if the free kick doesn’t take a deflection and we take some chances of our own.”
“We just need to get our heads down as a team and try to get some results. We have good players like Calvin Miller, Scotty Arfield, Alfie Agyeman, there’s a lot of wingers here and it’s important for us to have that competition. It drives training and you know you’ve got to perform at your best.”
“I’m no different to any other player, I have to perform at a top level as well as I can. As a team whoever starts or doesn’t start we all have to go out and get three points to help the team progress and stay in the league. That’s the bottom line.”
He added, “I’d been speaking to the manager and his coaches for quite some time over the summer. Going on tour with United it was quite difficult, communication wise. But once it was set in motion I was ready to come here. I’m happy to be here. It’s aways good to know that a manager trusts you.”
“For him to come to me and be interested is quite flattering. I’m proud to be here. The team has had back-to-back promotions and want to play aggressive football against the top teams. It’s a style I like as a winger. That’s what sold it on me.”
“The Scottish Premiership is a very good league, comparable with leagues in England. My first experience of it was good.”
Williams and Falkirk are back in action next Tuesday, when they host Hibernian.
Featured image Patrick McDermott via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
