Not only Rashford – INEOS working on bringing back affordable Man Utd academy product

Manchester United are reportedly working on re-signing Sam Johnstone, a goalkeeper who rose through their ranks.

The Red Devils have prioritised the midfield revamp above all other objectives this season, but they still need to address other departments.

Luckily for MUFC, Senne Lammens has proved to be the shot-stopper they have been yearning for since David De Gea’s exit, but they still need to pair him with the right backup.

Man United ready to welcome back Sam Johnstone

After three underwhelming campaigns at Old Trafford, Altay Bayindir is widely expected to return to Turkiye this summer, with Besiktas emerging as his most likely destination.

Interestingly, the 28-year-old isn’t the only Man Utd goalkeeper heading to the Super Lig, as Andre Onana is about to extend his loan spell at Trabzonspor for another year after a relatively solid campaign at the club.

The Cameroonian was said to be eyeing a second chance at Man Utd, but INEOS were quick to close the door on this possibility.

For his part, Radek Vitek will return from an splendid loan spell at Bristol City, but the 22-year-old Czech doesn’t fancy a secondary role, not even at Old Trafford.

Therefore, United have been searching the market for a new goalkeeper who is willing to play second fiddle behind Lammens, and is competent enough to fill in for the Belgian when required.

While Karl Darlow had emerged as a strong candidate for the role, Johnstone’s return is apparently gaining steam.

According to talkSPORT Chief Football Correspondent Alex Crook, Man Utd are currently working on bringing the Wolves goalkeeper back to the club.

Johnstone is said to be keen on leaving Wolves following their relegation to the Championship, and he would certainly welcome an ’emotional’ return to Carrington, where he made the first strides in his professional career.

Johnstone would boost Man Utd’s UEFA squad

Johnstone is a Preston native who joined United’s academy at a tender age. After outgrowing the youth sector, he was constantly sent out on loan between 2011 and 2018, represnting a host of clubs across various divisions, including Oldham, Walsall, and Aston Villa.

The Englishman finally cut his ties with Man Utd in 2018, completing a permanent transfer to West Brom for circa £6 million.

Johnstone then moved to Crystal Palace on a free transfer in 2022, and was then sold to Wolves for £10 million, where he has been serving as an understudy for Jose Sa.

The 33-year-old still has another two years on his contract, so his transfer will likely require a modest transfer fee.

Thanks to his academy-product status, Johnstone’s arrival would boost Man Utd’s Champions League squad, as he would occupy one of the four places allocated for the club’s youth players, perhaps alongside Marcus Rashford, who could also be reintergrated back in the squad following his 18 months at Aston Villa and Barcelona.