Aston Villa have confirmed that Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has returned to the club on a season-long loan deal. 

The 24-year-old English shot stopper spent the second half of the 2016/17 season on loan at Villa Park and impressed Villa boss Steve Bruce to the extent that he swooped again for the Manchester United man.

Former United centre back Bruce has made Johnstone the number one at B6, and he looks set to be the man between the sticks, barring injury, as the former Wigan manager looks to climb out of the Championship for the fourth time in his managerial career.

Johnstone made 22 appearances for the Villains during his first loan spell at the club, keeping eight clean sheets as the club recovered from the disastrous start to the Championship season made under Bruce's predecessor Roberto di Matteo.

The upturn in fortunes did not bring about a serious promotion push, but with Johnstone joining former Chelsea captain John Terry at Villa Park this season, with Bruce on the lookout for more 'experience and Premier League quality' - the Villa Park faithful will hope to rectify that fact this season.

Johnstone, for his part, seemed elated to be back at Villa Park, paying tribute to the club's history and fan base.

Furthermore, having failed to make a senior appearance at Old Trafford, the prospect of a season's worth of regular match time should do the goalkeeper the world of good.

Villa fans - are you happy with your new signing? Is Johnstone good enough to be number one at Villa Park? Let us know in the comments below...