Jose Mourinho has eased Aston Villa’s fear over the future of Sam Johnstone, with the Manchester United manager confirming that the goalkeeper would be remaining at Villa Park and not recalled, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.  

There has been plenty of speculation in the lead up to January, with reports suggesting that Johnstone could be recalled by Man United before a move elsewhere.

However, Mourinho has moved to quash those fears, with his quotes confirming that the 24-year-old would be staying put at Villa Park, he said: “Sam Johnstone at Aston Villa is playing all the time and is an important player for them and they are going to fight for promotion. We are happy to have him there.”

Johnstone is enjoying his second loan spell at Villa Park, with the Villans enjoying far more success in the Sky Bet Championship during the 2017/18 campaign than they did last year.

Steve Bruce’s side currently sit fourth in the table, after three consecutive victories have eased the pain following a miserable December.

Villa have swept aside Middlesbrough, Bristol City and Nottingham Forest in recent weeks, with Johnstone also keeping three clean sheets in the process.

So far this season, the goalkeeper has featured in all 27 of Villa’s Championship fixtures, managing to keep 12 clean sheets in the process and concede just 24 goals.

The Verdict

This is big for Villa and welcome news coming from Johnstone’s parent-club.

Promotion winning sides are built on a solid defence, which Johnstone is a key part of at Villa Park.

Losing the 24-year-old would’ve been a huge blow for Bruce, who will be grateful to Mourinho for resisting temptation to recall the goalkeeper.

Villa can start looking forward now at their race for promotion.

Aston Villa fans… Let us know your thoughts!

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