United plotting surprise move to bring back 6’4″ star who left club in 2018 – report

Michael Carrick has a significant war chest at his disposal to strengthen the Manchester United squad after his side’s qualification for the Champions League. Much has been written about INEOS’s desire to transform United’s midfield with at least two new signings, including a marquee name. However, the club’s recruitment team are also keen not to miss out on potential market opportunities to strengthen different areas of the squad. Manchester United eyeing Sam Johnstone According to a report from journalist Alan Nixon, Manchester United are looking at a deal to sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Wolverhampton Wanderers.  Wolves are set for a rebuild of their own following relegation to the Championship. Johnstone, 33, is likely to be one of the many departures at Molineux, having made just 12 league appearances last season. He joined the Midlands club from Crystal Palace in a £10 million switch in 2024. United are reportedly showing interest in bringing back Johnstone to Old Trafford. The 6’4″ shot-stopper graduated from United’s academy before permanently leaving the club in 2018. It remains unclear how much Wolves would demand for Johnstone. However, given he has just two years left on his contract, the Red Devils should be able to land him for a reasonable fee.  Manchester United to tweak goalkeeping department Senne Lammens remains United’s undisputed number one. Meanwhile, the Mancunians have also handed veteran Tom Heaton a one-year extension to remain as the club’s third-choice goalkeeper. As such, Johnstone is certainly being eyed as the back-up to Lammens. However, currently that role is occupied by Altay Bayindir. Bayindir is attracting serious interest from clubs in Turkey. Once his exit is finalised, United may be able to make a move for Johnstone. Andre Onana has also returned to United upon the expiration of his loan at Trabzonspor. However, the Cameroonian has no future at Carrington, with everyone at the club keen to offload him. The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!