Man Utd targets Darlow and Johnstone as new goalkeeper options

Manchester United are hunting for an experienced goalkeeper to back up Senne Lammens. Karl Darlow at Leeds and Sam Johnstone at Wolves have both made the shortlist.

The timing makes sense. Andre Onana appears to have no future at Old Trafford, and Altay Bayindir is available to leave. Academy product Radek Vitek, 22, still has two years on his contract but newly-promoted Hull City are circling.

Darlow, 35, is out of contract next week. The former Nottingham Forest academy man became Leeds’ first-choice keeper last season and was crucial to their survival. For United’s recruitment team, he ticks the boxes: proven experience and form on the pitch, available on a short-term deal.

Johnstone offers another angle. At 33, he came through Manchester United’s youth system but never kicked a ball for the first team before departing in 2018. Last season at Wolves he made 12 league appearances as they dropped to the Championship, though his contract there doesn’t expire until 2028.

Tom Heaton, 40, is still around at Old Trafford. United’s search for seasoned backup shows how the club is rethinking its goalkeeper depth as it rebuilds the squad.