Manchester United's search for a backup goalkeeper has circled back to Sam Johnstone. The former academy keeper is now one of the main names in the frame as United look for cover behind Senne Lammens, after Leeds pushed Karl Darlow toward a new deal and Radek Vitek's future also came into view.

Darlow's position at Leeds

United had been targeting Darlow, but Leeds are offering him a new two-year deal worth more than his current arrangement. That leaves United looking at other options, and Johnstone fits that route cleanly because the club already know his background.

The interest also makes sense from a squad-management angle. United have been in decent league form, taking 11 points from their last five league matches, but a backup goalkeeper decision still matters because the position needs clarity rather than short-term patching.

Johnstone's Old Trafford route

Johnstone left United in 2018 after 15 years and seven loan moves. Speaking to mirror.co.uk, he was blunt about why the pathway closed.

"Of course leaving United was a tough call, but when you've done your loans, banked the experience and David De Gea is still there at No.1 every time you return, you can't wait around forever," he said. "Deep down I knew I wasn't going to play for Manchester United and I had to go down a different route."

That history is part of why he now feels like a believable fallback rather than a speculative name. He also played 12 league games for Wolves as they went down to the Championship, so the experience level is there even if the move back to Old Trafford is not.

Vitek still needs a decision

United's goalkeeper planning is not only about the short-term backup spot. Vitek is 22 and is due back for pre-season training after his Bristol City loan, where he made 41 Championship appearances. Hull City are also watching his situation, and United would prefer a permanent departure if he does not commit to a new deal.

For now, the picture is straightforward enough. Darlow remains tied up in Leeds' offer, Johnstone has emerged as the alternative, and Vitek's future has not been settled yet. United's next step is to work out which of those paths actually turns into a signing before pre-season begins.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →