Manchester United loanee Brandon Williams dedicates goal to stabbed teenager with touching message

The on-loan Man United defender sent a message to the family of Nathaniel Shani after scoring his first goal for Kieran McKenna's side.

Brandon Williams scored a late equaliser during Ipswich Town's 1-1 draw with Huddersfield Town on Saturday and dedicated his goal to Nathaniel Shani, a 14-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed in Harpurhey last month.

Shani passed away in hospital on Friday, September 15 after being found by the emergency services in Tavistock Square. On Monday, the local community gathered to pay their respects to the young teen on what would have been his 15th birthday.

Williams, who grew up in Harpurhey, scored his first goal on loan at Ipswich on Saturday as they left it late to take a point from Huddersfield. The 23-year-old found himself in the box to head home after the ball was knocked back across the box.

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It was a crucial goal for Kieran McKenna's side, who continue their early push for a promotion spot in their first season back in the Championship. And on Sunday morning, Williams paid tribute to Shani and his family.

Alongside a picture of his celebrations, the Reds loanee wrote on his Instagram account: "If you don’t win, make sure you don’t lose. So we take the point (bicep emoji).

"What a journey, so thank you to the fans for your incredible support (heart emoji) aside from all that, a sad tragedy happened this week in my local area. I want to dedicate my goal to Nathaniel Shani who was stabbed sadly at 14 years of age and lost his life (broken heart emoji).

"I send my condolences to him and his family, please stop knife crime."

A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on October 18.