Manchester United have confirmed the signing of 20-year-old goalkeeper Nathan Bishop from Southend United, on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The England U20 international signed for Southend at the age of 16 and his hard work and dedication has led to a transfer to the 20-times champions of England.
“The opportunity to join Manchester United is a dream come true,” Bishop said in his first interview as a Red. “This club has a great record of developing goalkeepers and I cannot wait to work with the coaches here to improve every single day.
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“I want to take the chance to thank everyone at Southend United for everything they have done for me throughout my time here; without their support, this move would not have been possible.”
This season Bishop became teammates with United midfielder Ethan Hamilton, who spent the first half of this season on loan with the Shrimpers but has since moved on to Bolton for the remainder of the campaign.
Bishop is now expected to play in the youth teams at United and will hope to develop the same way as Dean Henderson, currently on loan at Sheffield United and warranting plenty of praise, with some fans speaking about the English keeper one day replacing David de Gea as no.1.
Although with Sergio Romero being second choice shot-stopper, Bishop will be aware there is lots of competition at his new club.
After making the big step to Old Trafford, Bishop was quick to thank those who have helped him during his time at Southend, where he made 39 appearances for the League One club.
“I’ve loved every second at Southend,” the goalkeeper told the official Southend United website. “It was an honour to play for the club.
“I want to thank everyone who I met from managers, coaching staff, the guys in the kitchen and everyone, especially the fans for accepting me and helping me throughout my time at the club.
“I also want to thank Lee Harrison and Ox [Mark Oxley]. Both had a massive part to play in everything that happened for me at Southend and I’m truly grateful for all the help and support they gave me!
“I wish Southend the best of luck for the future.”
Welcome to United, Bishop.