Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone hints at permanent move away from Old Trafford

Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has hinted he is seeking a move away from Old Trafford. The 23-year-old is the third-choice keeper at United behind David de Gea and Sergio Romero, and it seems he will look for a permanent move before the end of the transfer window.

Johnstone has previously enjoyed loan spells with Oldham Athletic, Doncaster Rovers and Preston North End, among others, and has admitted he needs to play more first-team football. De Gea is firmly established as manager Jose Mourinho's first-choice goalkeeper and Johnstone has suggested he may soon look to leave the club.

"Obviously, you never know when a chance might come but, on the other hand, I do need to play football," he explained to United's official website. "I've been on loan in previous seasons and enjoyed it, playing men's football for points in front of crowds. You can't beat that.

"But, like I've said, I'm here and, every time I step on the pitch, I'm here to do a job and hopefully show the manager what I can do and push Sergio and David."

Johnstone appeared for United's under-23 side in their opening fixture of the Premier League 2 campaign against Leicester City on Monday (15 August). The Reds won 1-0 courtesy of a spectacular effort from Demi Mitchell, and the goalkeeper subsequently hailed their performance against a strong Foxes side.

"I'm happy we won," the United goalkeeper explained. "The lads put in a great effort as we played an experienced Leicester side. We've got a young team but we dug in, worked hard and got the reward for it."