Aniket Rai
Sam Johnstone reveals why he left Manchester United in 2018 to sign for West Brom
Speaking in an interview with The Mirror (h/t Manchester Evening News), West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone said that he did not regret leaving Manchester United because he did not get enough gametime.
Johnstone has been the busiest goalkeeper in the Premier League so far. He has made the most saves out of all other shot-stoppers and plays in a team that has let in the most goals over the course of this season.
Nevertheless, the 27-year-old has been applauded for his performances and he now reveals that he got impatient at United due to not being able to overtake David de Gea between the sticks.
“Leaving United was a tough call. But when you’ve done your loans, banked the experience and David De Gea is still there at No.1 every time you return, you can’t wait around forever.”
Not settling for second best
The 27-year-old goalkeeper went out on 7 loan spells during his 7 years at Old Trafford and never got to play a single minute for his parent club. He then left in 2018 to join West Bromwich Albion on a permanent basis.
He revealed that he understood the need for leaving United in order to get minutes. Johnstone was in fine form for his current this season when West Brom held United to a 1-1 draw at the Hawthorns.
“Deep down I knew I wasn’t going to play for Manchester United and I had to go down a different route. It felt crazy to sign for West Brom in the sense that I was becoming somebody else’s player.”
De Gea remains number 1 at United. The Spaniard has been tough to dismantle from the starting XI and backup goalkeeper Dean Henderson might relate to Johnstone’s comments.
More Manchester United News:
- Manchester United to offer three players for Hammers ace Declan Rice
- Solskjaer: Manchester United star Paul Pogba set for an extended spell on the sidelines
- Manchester United fans react as Shola Shoretire becomes the youngest player to represent the club in Europe
For Johnstone and West Brom, it seems like a long second half of the season ahead. The Baggies are reeling in 19th position with just 14 points from 25 league games.
