Manchester United defender Brandon Williams will go on trial next year accused ... trends now

A Premier League footballer will go on trial next year accused of crashing his sports car while inhaling laughing gas at the wheel.

Manchester United’s Brandon Williams, 23, today pleaded not guilty to dangerous driving in his Audi S Line on the A34, in Wilmslow, Cheshire last August.

The defender, who is on an estimated £65,000 a week, also denied driving without valid insurance.

Williams, who was dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and dark blue tie, appeared in the dock of Chester Crown Court today. He spoke only to confirm his name and to answer ‘not guilty’ as the charges were read to him by the clerk of the court.

Williams, who has also played for England at under-20 and under-21 level, was told by Judge Simon Berkson that his trial, expected to last three days, will start on March 17 next year. He was granted unconditional bail.