Manchester United have confirmed the departure of Ethan Williams, who has joined Peterborough on a permanent transfer. The 20-year-old winger signed for the League One club on Thursday for a 'sizeable' undisclosed fee, penning a long-term contract and handed the No10 shirt vacated by Abraham Odoh's recent departure for Salford.
What happened?
Ethan Williams has left Manchester United to join Peterborough on a permanent transfer. The winger signed for the League One club on Thursday for what they described as a "sizeable" undisclosed fee, penning a long-term contract and handed the No10 shirt vacated by Abraham Odoh's recent departure for Salford.
Why it matters for Manchester United
The departure of Ethan Williams marks the latest move in Manchester United's pre-season preparations. The 20-year-old winger was one of several youngsters to feature during the club's current pre-season tour across Europe. Williams is a graduate of the Manchester United academy, having first joined the club from Rochdale in 2019.
What comes next?
Williams will hope to make a quick Peterborough debut on Saturday, when Luke Williams' side open their League One campaign away to Bradford at Valley Parade following a Carabao Cup first-round win over Bristol Rovers. Manchester United are currently 14 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race, with 69 goals scored and 50 conceded this season. The Red Devils are on a 4-game winning run, with their last result being a 3-0 win over Brighton on May 24, 2026.
Manchester United's current league standing is 3rd in the Premier League, with 71 points from 38 games, and a recent form of WWDWW. The club is currently sidelined by Manuel Ugarte, Lisandro Martínez, Mason Mount, Matheus Cunha, and Senne Lammens.
Williams told Posh+ after his move was confirmed: "The identity of this club is clear, they like to work with younger players and when I heard of the interest, it was a move that I wanted to make. I have been out on loan at a couple of clubs, have gained a lot of experience of men's football and felt it was the right time to leave United and sign for Peterborough. I have enjoyed my time at United and it's always tough to leave a place like that, but there comes a time in your career where you have to make tough decisions to develop yourself and Peterborough is renowned for helping younger players."
Peterborough said they had "fought off interest in Williams from a host of other clubs", with manager Luke Williams adding: "Ethan is a player that will give us another option in the wide areas, he is quick, direct and will be a threat and I am looking forward to working with him. He has already got first team experience at a few clubs and joins us after being away with Manchester United on their pre-season tour, so he is fit and ready to go.
