Credit: Cheltenham Town/Imago

Exclusive: Man United receive offer for Ethan Williams

Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.

Published on:

26 Aug 2025, 10:01 am

Europa League hopefuls HNK Rijeka have made an official approach for Manchester United's Ethan Williams, sources have told Football Insider.

Last season’s Croatian Champions have made a loan offer for the domestically in-demand winger, who scored for United in their pre-season game against Bournemouth.

If the move is completed, Williams could be the only player on United’s books to play in a European competition this season.

Ruben Amorim's side missed out on Champions League football following their Europa League final defeat to Tottenham back in May.

Man United missed out on European football (Credit: Imago)

HNK Rijeka join crowded race for Man United youngster

Back in June, Football Insider exclusively revealed that Williams was attracting loan interest from Stockport, Blackpool, and Hibernian, among others.

Now, Croatian side HNK Rijeka have joined the race for the 19-year-old and have submitted an official bid to Man United in the hopes of securing his signature.

Williams is highly rated by the Red Devils and has been the club's top scorer in the UEFA Youth Champions League for the past two campaigns.

Last season, the young attacker spent six months on loan at Cheltenham Town in League Two, scoring two goals and picking up two assists.

‘Man United miss out on Premier League star‘

Meanwhile, Man United are reportedly set to miss out on a deal to sign long-term target Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa.

Man United have been linked with Emiliano Martinez (Credit: Imago)

That is according to their former chief scout Mick Brown, who claims that Amorim’s side have cooled their interest in the 32-year-old.

As a result, he is growing increasingly likely to stay at Villa Park beyond the end of the transfer window and remains part of Unai Emery’s plans.

The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and also worked for the likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa, and West Ham, insisted United have made a “huge mistake” by not pushing for a deal.

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Manchester United

Ruben Amorim