Manchester United legend Gary Pallister has urged the club to pursue Nottingham Forest left-back Neco Williams as a reliable deputy for Luke Shaw, citing the England international's persistent injury concerns.

Shaw endured another disrupted campaign last season, and Pallister believes United cannot afford to rely solely on him — particularly with European football returning to Old Trafford. The former United centre-back argues that Williams, already proven in the Premier League, is the ideal candidate to share the workload.

"I thought Luke Shaw had a really good season, but there is always going to be some doubt because of his injury history. He still has something to give so I would still see Williams as a backup for him. United are back in Europe and you can't expect Shaw to play twice a week, every week. Williams will offer strength in depth, and he's an exciting player, so I think it's a good move,"

Pallister told Sports Mole.

Williams' rise to prominence

Williams, 25, came through the ranks at Liverpool, making 33 senior appearances for the Merseyside club before joining Nottingham Forest in 2022. He has since established himself as a key figure at the City Ground, earning recognition as one of the more dependable full-backs in the Premier League.

The Welsh international has also attracted attention from Newcastle United, meaning Manchester United face genuine competition in any transfer pursuit. Nottingham Forest, for their part, are understood to be determined to hold on to the defender and have no intention of selling him cheaply.

A congested market for a key position

With Manchester United set to compete across multiple competitions next season, squad depth at left-back is a genuine concern. Pallister's endorsement carries weight — he knows better than most the demands placed on players in a busy fixture schedule at Old Trafford.

Whether United can convince Nottingham Forest to part with one of their most reliable performers remains to be seen, but Pallister's message to the club's recruitment team is clear: move for Williams before rivals do.