Manchester United transfers news: Red Devils boss recalls Joel Pereira as Sam Johnstone heads to Aston Villa on loan
Jose Mourinho brings Portuguese youngster back to Old Trafford as cover for the departing goalkeeper
MANCHESTER UNITED’s Sam Johnstone will join Aston Villa on loan after the Red Devils recalled Joel Pereira from Belenenses.
Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho wants the 23-year-old goalkeeper to gain further experience of first-team football.
Championship side Villa are keen to offer him that opportunity, and Mourinho has decided to allow him to join Steve Bruce’s side for the remainder of the season.
That has led him to bring back fellow young shotstopper Pereira to provide cover for David de Gea and Sergio Romero.
The Swiss-born Portuguese U20 international was loaned to Belenenses for the season and made eight appearances.
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However, the 20-year-old’s spell has been ended early to allow Johnstone to leave Old Trafford.
Bruce has been chasing Johnstone since taking charge of Villa in October and hopes his arrival can help provide a late promotion challenge.
Despite being included in United’s matchday squad on several occasions, the former England U20 goalkeeper has still yet to feature this season.
The shotstopper came through the academy at the club, but his 82 professional appearances so far in his career have all come from loan spells at Oldham, Scunthorpe, Walsall, Yeovil, Doncaster and Preston.
Villa have already used two keepers so far this season.
Pierluigi Gollini has made 20 appearances with Mark Bunn making seven.