Mourinho confirms United man will leave in January

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed that goalkeeper Sam Johnstone will leave the club on loan in the January window.

The Portuguese told reporters that the 23-year-old will be the only Red Devils player to leave Old Trafford on a temporary basis in the winter window.

The former Preston North End loanee could be set for a move to Premier League rivals Sunderland, whilst former United man Steve Bruce is also interested in bringing the shot-stopper to Aston Villa.

The former Chelsea manger’s statement means that should Everton manager Ronald Koeman want to secure deals for either Morgan Schneiderlin or Mephis Depay, who have both been linked with a January move to Merseyside, then the Dutchman will have to engineer permanent deals.

Another Premier League side, West Ham, had also been linked with a loan move for United youngster Marcus Rashford, however, even before Mourinho’s announcement that Johnstone would be the only one to leave on loan, Slaven Bilic ruled out a move for the England international.