Johnstone in Frame as United Pursue Experienced Backup Goalkeeper Option

Manchester United are eyeing a move to bring Sam Johnstone back to the club this summer, with the departure of Andre Onana creating a vacancy in the goalkeeper department.

The Red Devils announced at the weekend that Onana would return to Turkish side Trabzonspor on another season-long loan. With Altay Bayindir also expected to head back to Turkey, United find themselves short of a reliable deputy for new number one Senne Lammens, who has impressed since arriving at Old Trafford.

While the summer transfer window has been dominated by midfield recruitment – with Ederson poised to join pending the completion of his medical – and potential departures like Marcus Rashford, the goalkeeping situation has quietly become a pressing concern. Enter Johnstone, the 33-year-old currently plying his trade at Wolves.

A former United academy product who spent seven years on the club's books between 2011 and 2018, Johnstone never featured in a competitive match during his initial stint at Old Trafford. Since leaving permanently, he has built a respectable career elsewhere, accumulating experience at West Brom, Crystal Palace and his current employers in the Midlands.

The move makes sense on multiple fronts. Johnstone would bolster the homegrown quota – a consideration that carries weight in United's squad planning – whilst bringing the sort of seasoned professionalism the club requires in a backup role. At 33, he's hardly a long-term prospect, but that's precisely the point: United need someone dependable to sit behind Lammens without demanding regular football.

Karl Darlow had been another name in the frame, with the Leeds United goalkeeper available on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract. However, it appears Johnstone has emerged as the preferred candidate.

Whether Wolves would entertain selling Johnstone with two years remaining on his contract remains to be seen. Still, with United clearly identifying the need and moving accordingly, the pieces appear to be falling into place for a reunion at Old Trafford.