Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone signs new contract to extend Old Trafford stay

Manchester United have confirmed their goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has committed his future to the club by signing a new deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2018, with an option to further extend it by a year.

The English stopper joined the Red Devils at the age of 10 and has developed his skills during his stay at the club, which saw him make it to the first team. However, the 23-year-old is yet to make an appearance for the senior team.

"Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has signed a new contract at Manchester United which keeps him at the club until June 2018 with the option to extend for a further year," a statement read on United's official website.

Johnstone was part of United's FA Youth Cup winning side in 2011, alongside Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. Jose Mourinho included Johnstone in his pre-season squad and even featured during the 20-time English champions' pre-season win over Wigan Athletic.

He has been out on loan on several occasions in the past and was on the bench for the first six games last season. The goalkeeper has expressed his delight after penning down a new deal and is eager to impress the Portuguese tactician to get a spot in the starting XI.

"I am delighted to have signed a new contract. I have been with the club since I was 10 years old and have grown up here," Johnstone told United's official website.

"The last 13 years have flown by and I have enjoyed every moment of my time here so far. I am working with world-class goalkeepers every day and now I am going to use all that experience to push myself and show the manager what I can do."

Mourinho has heaped praise on Johnsonte and suggested that the latter has a "great potential" to succeed.

"Sam is a goalkeeper with great potential. He is a very professional young man with a great attitude to the game. He has progressed immensely even during my short time at the club. I am delighted he has committed his future to Manchester United," the former Chelsea manager said.

Johnstones is the third choice goalkeeper at the club behind David de Gea and Sergio Romero.