Sam Johnstone moves to Scunthorpe on-loan

On Friday, another young Manchester United player left the club on-loan. This time, 18-year-old goalkeeper Sam Johnstone joined Scunthorpe United on a loan spell that lasts until 8 October, with an option of extending the deal.

The forever improving shot-stopper was apart of the team that won the FA Youth Cup last season. He was also a member of the team that flew out to America during the summer for our pre-season tour. Sadly, he returned home when David de Gea arrived. However, in Rio Ferdinand’s video diary, the England U-19 international explained what he learned from being ‘the big guys’.

Sam now hopes to gain first-team experience with the League One club, who are currently sitting 19th in the league table.

Speaking to The Iron Player (Scunthorpe’s official website), Johnstone said: “I think it’s what I need,” said Johnstone. “The experience at quite a young age will be good for me.

“Hopefully we’ll do well and I’ll get some games under my belt.

“Since I was 10 years old, I’ve been used to Manchester United, the same environment, the same people. You’ve got to come to a club and grow up and be a man.

“I went to see Sir Alex Ferguson and he told me to concentrate, do well and just enjoy it.”

“Oliver Norwood (another Manchester United youngster on-loan at Scunthorpe) told me before that Scunthorpe had asked about me, but I only found out on Wednesday morning from United’s goalkeeping coach Eric Steele and the gaffer at United.”

I’m sure there will be a few United fans, including myself, watching The Iron Men throughout the season wishing both Oliver and Sam the best in their development.

More Stories Manchester United Oliver Norwood Sam Johnstone Scunthorpe United