Nathan Bishop has become the first player to leave Manchester United on loan for the 2021/22 season.

The young goalkeeper has joined Mansfield Town on a season long deal.

United had hoped to send Bishop on loan in January but it did not quite work out.

Bishop, 21, joined United in January 2020 from Southend United, where he had already made his first team debut.

The young goalkeeper has only played two matches for United’s academy sides since joining, having spent most of his time training with the first team squad.

Manchester United FC Training Session and Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2021
(Photo by Lukasz Laskowski/PressFocus/MB Media/Getty Images)

Happy to have him

Mansfield boss Nigel Clough previously took Kieran O’Hara on loan from United while manager of Burton Albion. He is confident he is getting a solid addition in Bishop.

 

Clough told Mansfield’s official website: “Although he hasn’t played too much in the past year, he has trained with Manchester United’s first team every day, which is the next best thing to playing matches.

“You cannot fail to improve in that environment with United’s coaches and playing staff. He is the best we can get in this position.”

Bishop may have to wait a little bit extra before linking up with the League Two club. United plan to keep him around for the first part of pre-season.

Goalkeeping reshuffle

Bishop’s loan exit follows Sergio Romero and Joel Pereira’s departures as free agents.

Tom Heaton is set to sign as a free agent, while Lee Grant’s future is yet to be determined.

If one of De Gea and Henderson leaves, as would appear likely, then Grant could get to stick around an extra year, while Bishop gains experience out on loan.

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