Johnstone’s development should be a source of pride for United
Every Manchester United Academy player hopes to one day step up and become a regular feature in the first team.
Yet unfortunately, the vast majority of those who represent our under-age sides will never experience the thrill of wearing the famous red jersey in front of booming Old Trafford.
Not that there is any shame in that and the likes of Dwight McNeil, Danny Drinkwater and Oliver Norwood have gone on to have excellent careers despite never playing any first-team minutes at United.
Sadly, it was a luxury that Sam Johnstone wasn’t afforded when West Bromwich Albion came to town earlier this season, given the current lack of crowds in attendance.
The goalkeeper is another who failed to establish himself in the senior set-up during his time with Reds, but has gone on to demonstrate all the qualities needed to succeed in the English top flight.
Joining in January 2017, Johnstone helped shore up a leaky Villa defence, before returning the following term where his excellent showing between the sticks guided the Villans to the Championship play-off final.
Villa’s downfall that day against Fulham worked in West Brom’s favour, as they swooped to steal the keeper from under the noses of their West Midlands neighbours.
At The Hawthorns, Johnstone played an instrumental role as the Baggies made it to the play-off semi-finals in 2018/19, before gaining automatic promotion last term.
Johnstone's best saves against United
Fair play to Academy graduate Sam Johnstone, who produced a superb performance at Old Trafford...
Since making his top-flight bow, the West Brom keeper has excelled and no keeper in the Premier League has made more saves this season than Johnstone.
The goalkeeper has, perhaps, produced his best showings this season when playing in Manchester. In December, his outstanding contribution helped West Brom to a point at the Etihad Stadium, while he made several outstanding saves when we last took on the Baggies in November.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that so many have tipped him as a dark house to earn a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships this summer.
While everyone connected with United hopes Johnstone’s heroics aren’t being discussed this weekend, his performances have been a source of great pride for our Academy, as yet another graduate has gone on to demonstrate his quality, mentality and work rate.