Scout Report: Can This 22-year Old Be A Long Term Replacement For Manchester United’s David De Gea

Jose Mourinho might not be known for making the best decisions when it comes to youngsters, but Manchester United seems set to move for a goalkeeper. This isn’t a replacement for David de Gea, so you can wipe the sweat of your brows for now, but it is a player for the future as United try to secure their inflow of quality youngsters to make it to the playing XI.

Jordan Pickford is the youngster being linked with a move to Manchester United. The Sunderland keeper has spent a lot of time out on loan and he could be looking for a club that gives him an opportunity to achieve the greatest of glories while also playing some quality minutes.

Pickford is 22-years-old and was born in Washington, Tyne and Wear. He joined the Sunderland academy at the age of eight and has been part of that setup ever since. Pickford has also represented England right through the youth teams and has played for the England U21’s for a number of games.

The goalkeeper certainly has spent a lot of time on loan with stints at Darlington, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City and Preston North End, thus having played in the top five leagues of English football all by the age of just 21.

He has over 188 appearances to his name for the range of clubs he has represented and was brought back by Sunderland in 2015 as the side were struggling in the Premier League. Pickford has even played in the FA Cup games against Arsenal in January 2016.

Sunderland so seem to have a lot of faith in the goalkeeper as they tied him up with a new deal till the end of 2020, which would be a huge boost for the Black Cats should they think about selling the player for a large amount of money.

Manchester United would probably give him more chances to perform since Sunderland can only provide him the League Cup and FA Cup games while he tries to make his way into the first XI. United would also be part of the Europa League next season and this is where Pickford could be tried out. The likes of Sergio Romero a real go for a spot on the bench.

Pickford does have a tough decision on his hands as playing or singing for Manchester United does not guarantee a lot of playing time always, though with Sunderland his opportunities to impress would come with time, at United the 22-year-old would have to put in more than 100% on a regular basis.

If he is ready to do that, this signing could be a brilliant one for both club and player but Pickford would want to avoid the graveyard that youngest players end up facing under Jose Mourinho.