In a recent tweet, Sky Sports News reporter Rob Dorsett revealed that Manchester United are set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone. It has been claimed that the Red Devils are prepared to battle it out with Spurs for the English custodian whose contract with the Baggies will expire this summer.
#mufc and #thfc to battle it out for the signature of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the summer. Johnstone won’t sign a new #wba contract, when it expires at the end of the season, as he seeks a return to the Premier League. Bruce said on Saturday he expects him to leave.
— Rob Dorsett (@RobDorsettSky) April 12, 2022
Johnstone’s Impressive Run Of Form In The English Championship
Johnstone is having another impressive campaign at the Hawthorns as he has managed to put in a series of solid performances in between the sticks for West Brom. The 29-year-old has made 36 appearances for the Baggies this season, shipping in 33 goals while securing 15 clean sheets on all fronts.
The Preston-born talent has performed well to average 1.1 clearances and 10.1 long balls per 90 minutes in the EFL Championship. He has often gone long when distributing possession from the back which could be why he has only completed 56% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
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Is Johnstone The Right Choice For Manchester United?
Johnstone has established himself as a solid keeper at the back as he has got decent reflexes that helps him make some important saves inside his half. The English sensation is a good handler of the ball but needs to take care of the ball better when playing his way out from the back if he wants to be a success story at a top club like Man United where he will be expected to perform at a high-level week in week out.
At the very least, Johnstone has got what it takes to serve as a decent number two to David de Gea at Old Trafford in the coming seasons.
At 29, the West Brom star is currently playing in his prime and might be good enough to rival de Gea for a place in the Red Devils‘ first XI. Therefore, Johnstone will be a decent choice for the Mancunian giants ahead of the new campaign. Plus, the fact that he will be available on a free transfer makes him a good signing for Ralf Rangnick to pursue in the off-season.
