SAM JOHNSTONE has told former Manchester United team-mate Dean Henderson he must quit Old Trafford for the sake of his career.
The West Brom keeper had 15 years with the Red Devils before finally leaving in 2018 aged 25.
Dean Henderson focused in training ahead of their Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain.
He now reckons that was far too late.
And he wants Henderson, who has struggled behind David de Gea after two brilliant seasons on loan at Sheffield United, to avoid making the same mistake.
Preston-born Johnstone said: “I couldn’t think of anything worse than being there and not playing. You want to be playing as a keeper.
Former Man Utd keeper Johnstone in action against Southampton.Credit: Rex Features
“I was asked last week whether I missed United. I said ‘no’. I’m playing in the Premier League with West Brom. The only thing I miss is being 15 minutes from home.
“To break into a huge club like that is tough.
“Deano had a great loan spell at Sheffield United. I can’t see him happy sitting down.
“It will be difficult for him to be No1. Everyone knows what De Gea is capable of.
David De Gea keeping his eye on the prize.
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“All Dean wants to do is keep playing. It’s stalled even though he is at a massive club.”
Henderson, 23, did at least come on as sub at Southampton on Sunday but has made only four appearances for United.
And Spaniard De Gea, 30, recovered from a knee injury to play in the midweek loss against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Speaking to the Goalkeepers’ Union Podcast, Johnstone, 27, said: “Dean’s very young, he probably has to be patient but how long is your career? It flies by.
“I was probably too patient leaving at 25.
“It’s a tough situation. I’m sure he is working hard every day. You train all week to play on a Saturday. That’s what you are in football for.
“United is such a big club and the pressure there is massive. You are fighting the best keepers all over the world.”
He said: “I want to make a name for myself in the Premier League.
“It’s tough with no fans, you want to see 30,000 fans at the Hawthorns. I love it, unbelievable, even if you get abused or stuff thrown at you.
“You want to p*** them off, you want to save things. It is me against them.
“There is banter and abuse. I love being out on that pitch and showing what you can do. It’s what gets me going.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
