Manchester United confirmed this week that young goalkeeper Paul Woolston has signed a contract extension at the club.
Woolston is one of the many promising goalkeepers on United’s books.
His contract has been extended to 2021, so it isn’t a long-term deal, but the club evidently want to continue to have a look at him and are not ready to part ways.
Where does Woolston fit at Old Trafford?
In terms of the first team picture he is a long way off. He has a fight on his hands in the under-23 set up.
This season Woolston has played second fiddle to Matej Kovar and he has started only two under-23 games.
Nathan Bishop’s recent move to United from Southend on deadline day had looked like an ominous sign for Woolston, whose contract was set to expire this June.
The former Newcastle United youngster has represented England at under-18 level and clearly United’s staff still see value in keeping him.
Matej Kovar has been excellent this season for the under-23s and could do with a loan move.
This would leave Woolston in position for more opportunities next season, to fight it out with Bishop, Jacob Carney, and under-18s stopper Ondrej Mastny, who will soon be pushing for under-23 football.
In front of this group, there are loanees Dean Henderson, Kieran O’Hara and Joel Pereira. All three of these need regular football and are likely to move on again next summer, either on loan or permanently.
Woolston is a long shot to ever be a United regular, but he is clearly keen to try and make the most of his chance.
- Donald Trump will be at World Cup final, but US president’s Man Utd ‘connection’ is deeper than some might think
- Analysing how Marcus Rashford performed in England’s 6-4 win over France
- Lisandro Martinez has never taken penalty in his whole career, but this is what he could do in World Cup final
- Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have once again been vindicated with major Man Utd call, despite Wrexham defeat
- 14 things I liked and disliked from Man Utd vs Wrexham pre-season opener
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
