Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone may end up leaving the club soonest after he was left out of the 25-man squad for the 2014/15 campaign.
The 21 year old may have to look elsewhere for his future in the game with current boss Louis Van Gaal believing he is the fourth choice goalkeeper behind David Da Gea, Adreas Lindergaard and Ben Amos.
He spent last season on loan at Doncaster Rovers and may have pleased many teams at the lower division with his performances with Fulham, Ipswich and Birmingham showing more interest.
Despite his signing of a new three and a half year contract in January, the truth must be said that Sam Johnstone may have the talent but it’s definitely not enough to displace David De Gea as Manchester United number one.
It’s of high importance to also consider his age and exposure to important matches. Manchester United may be interested in bringing players through the ranks but definitely not all of them will play for the first team.
Phil Neville in a recent interview disclosed how important it is to let go and build a new career especially when you have your chances limited.
Ben Amos will probably not get any game time this season with Lindergaard ahead of him. David De Gea is an undisputed number one goalkeeper for Manchester United and the Spanish has improved a great deal since he signed for the English based club from Atletico Madrid in 2011.
David De Gea is only 23 years of age and if he stays at the club, he will still have at least ten years in goal for Manchester United.
Johnstone is only 2 years younger and won’t stay throughout his life as a second, third or even fourth fiddle to any goalkeeper.
A team of United’s calibre needs a top goalkeeper which De Gea has proven to be and it will only take the signing of another top goalkeeper or a drastic decline of David to get him kicked out unceremoniously.
Nonetheless, Sam Johnstone must be commended for his brave fight in Old Trafford and it must be said that he has the talent of been at the top but if there is a position to gamble with, it’s certainly not in the goalkeeper’s position as they are the last line of defence.
It might be another sad story of a United youngster leaving, but it will definitely be for the best of the team and the player.
Johnstone is good enough to play regular football at club level but he doesn’t look good enough to play for a club as big as Manchester United.
A decision to leave is best for him to kick start his career and build a good future.
Tim Howard and Ben Foster are good examples to follow and he will get up there if he remains focused.
