Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (on ground) celebrates with Michael Carrick (L), Jonny Evans (R) and Ashley Young (partially obscured), after scoring the opening goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at Old Trafford
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney (on ground) celebrates with Michael Carrick (L), Jonny Evans (R) and Ashley Young (partially obscured), after scoring the opening goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England December 14, 2014. Phil Noble

Manchester United confirmed that Sam Johnstone, its most promising young goalkeeper has his loan extended until January 28 with Doncaster Rovers. A deal has been reached to hold the England U21 keeper at the Keepmoat.

Last season, Johnstone was on loan with Doncaster and then joined Paul Dickov. It was earlier this season at Dickov's side, when Johnstone aimed to bounce back into the championship. During his current spell, the 21-year-old made a total of 13 appearances for Rovers and conceded 10 goals. With his new deal, Johnstone is expected to be available for Rover's next five games.

Like all other loans, typically, a loan is just a season-term and depending on the availability of funds to afford a player's retention, a loan will be renewed, or released. The player on loan will either continue playing for the team that loaned him, or be offered back to his home team or be sold. In this manner, it appears that Johnstone's loan will be extended by the end of the month, which is to last until the end of the season. By then, it would be his last and he will be able to leave permanently.

As Johnstone's loan is bound to be extended, it still seems that Manchester United squad is good to go and is still very able and competitive to fight for the Premier League title. To note, Manchester United is currently ranked in third in the Premier League. Truth be told, Manchester United's coach, Louis van Gaal's first choice is David de Gea, the Spanish keeper. This choice should not be a surprise considering De Gea's impressive performance through the entire season. In fact, many teams have been eyeing De Gea's availability whenever a transfer window is opened.

De Gea, Aders Lindergaard, and Ben Amos are reported to move away from the club. However, a confirmation that the three will remain in the club to retain their positions has been made. As far as keeping their positions are concerned, the same will be duly reviewed by the end of the season.

To reach the author of this article e-mail danaalyssaramos@gmail.com

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