Man Utd star ‘inhaled laughing gas from balloons’ before he was involved in 74mph car crash in his Audi A3

FOOTIE ace Brandon Williams inhaled laughing gas before being involved in a high speed car crash, a court heard today.

The Man United defender faced magistrates over last year’s 74mph smash.

As Williams, 23, looked on, prosecutor Katie Johnson said he had been driving his Audi A3 S Line motor at speeds over 90mph along the A34 in Wilmslow, Cheshire, and was involved in an accident at a speed of 74mph.

Ms Johnson said: “He was seen by witnesses to have taken nitrous oxide from balloons.”

Williams, formerly of Wilmslow but who gave his address as his parents’ home in Harpurhey, Manchester, appeared in the dock in Crewe dressed in a dark suit, white shirt and dark tie.

The clerk to the court said that Williams denied dangerous driving and did not accept he was responsible for the accident.

He also denied he was impaired and that he had no insurance.

Magistrates sent the case for trial at Chester crown court with a hearing on April 19.

Williams, who is on £65,000-a-week, was granted unconditional bail.

He joined United’s academy as a youngster and went on to make 51 appearances for the first team.

He has spent two stints on loan away from Old Trafford — firstly with Norwich City during the 2021/22 season where he made 26 appearances.

In August boss Erik ten Hag sanctioned another loan move to Ipswich Town where Williams has made 15 appearances.

Williams, who has represented England at U20 and U21 level, is currently injured and returned to United’s training base prior to Christmas to work on his fitness.

Last month we told how a football star had checked into rehab addicted to nitrous oxide.

The anaesthetic gas is popular among players who inhale it from balloons for a short high.

Risks include heart attacks, stroke and brain damage, while prolonged use can lead to depression, memory loss, incontinence, hallucinations and nerve damage.

In November nitrous oxide was made a controlled Class C drug.

Footie clubs now regularly test players.

One set to sign for a Championship club saw the deal break down after doctors found signs his nervous system was ravaged by his use of laughing gas.