Sam Johnstone
Paul Pogba, Ravel Morrison, Jesse Lingard – Where are Manchester United 2011 Youth Cup winners now?, Sam Johnstone’s career is a story of persistence, steady progression, and patience in a position where opportunities are often limited. Born in Preston in March 1993, Johnstone joined the Manchester United academy in July 2009 as a 16-year-old. Standing at 6ft 4ins, he quickly made his presence known between the sticks and established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper for United’s youth team. His performances were crucial in various academy competitions, where his composure and shot-stopping ability often stood out.
Despite his promise, Johnstone found first-team opportunities at Old Trafford scarce, largely due to the presence of world-class goalkeepers like Edwin van der Sar, David de Gea, and Anders Lindegaard ahead of him. Instead, United sent him out on a series of loan spells to gain first-team experience. His journey through the Football League saw him represent Oldham Athletic, Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers, Preston North End, and Aston Villa. Each loan gave him valuable minutes, with particularly successful stints at Doncaster and Preston, where his consistency began to attract attention.
In 2018, after years of waiting for a breakthrough at United that never came, Johnstone made a permanent switch to West Bromwich Albion for a fee of around £6m. At The Hawthorns, he finally found stability. Over four seasons, he became the Baggies’ undisputed No. 1, making more than 150 appearances and impressing with his reflexes and distribution. His performances earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the Championship, and eventually, he was rewarded with a move back to the Premier League.
In 2022, Johnstone signed for Crystal Palace, where he was seen as both competition and potential replacement for Vicente Guaita. His solid shot-stopping and leadership at the back further enhanced his reputation. By 2023, Johnstone had broken into the England squad, winning four international caps, a proud achievement for a player who had spent much of his early career fighting for recognition.
Now in his early 30s, Johnstone finds himself at Wolves, serving as the club’s second-choice goalkeeper. While he may not be a regular starter, his professionalism, experience, and reliability mean he remains a respected figure in English football—a testament to a career built on hard work rather than glamour.
Michael Keane
Michael Keane is one of Manchester United’s academy graduates who managed to carve out a successful Premier League career away from Old Trafford. Born in Stockport in January 1993, Keane joined United’s academy at the age of 11 and rose through the ranks alongside his twin brother, Will. A tall, composed centre-back with a natural reading of the game, Michael was part of the highly rated youth side that won the 2011 FA Youth Cup, a competition that often produces future stars.
Keane made his senior debut for Manchester United in 2011 in a League Cup tie against Aldershot Town, and although opportunities in the first team were limited, his quality was undeniable. In search of game time, he embarked on a series of loan spells, including stints at Leicester City, Derby County, and Blackburn Rovers. It was his loan to Burnley in 2014–15, however, that proved pivotal.
Burnley, impressed by his performances, made the move permanent in 2015. Under Sean Dyche’s management, Keane developed into a commanding centre-half, known for his aerial presence, tackling, and composure under pressure. His two years at Turf Moor elevated his reputation, and by 2017 he had become one of the most sought-after English defenders in the Premier League. That summer, Everton signed him for a fee rising to £30m, a significant deal that reflected his growing stature.
At Everton, Keane established himself as a mainstay in defence. Despite the club’s mixed fortunes and managerial changes, he remained a consistent figure, admired for his professionalism and reliability. His performances also earned him international recognition, with 12 caps for England, including appearances in World Cup qualifiers and Nations League fixtures.
Now one of the experienced figures at Goodison Park, Keane continues to be a dependable option at centre-back. While injuries and competition have at times disrupted his momentum, he remains a respected player whose journey from United’s academy to international football exemplifies perseverance and determination.
Michele Fornasier
Michele Fornasier’s story is one of promise, ambition, and a career that, while never hitting the heights of his early potential, demonstrates the resilience of a professional footballer navigating Europe’s lower leagues. Born in Vittorio Veneto, Italy, in 1994, Fornasier was regarded as a promising young centre-back when he joined Manchester United’s academy from Fiorentina in 2009.
At United, Fornasier quickly slotted into the youth system, becoming a crucial part of the side that lifted the 2011 FA Youth Cup, a tournament that also featured future stars like Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. He later featured for the club’s Under-21 squad, where his composure on the ball and defensive awareness drew praise. However, despite his steady development, he never made a senior appearance for United.
In 2013, Fornasier made the decision to return to Italy, joining Sampdoria in Serie A. While the move promised exposure to top-flight football, opportunities were scarce, and he struggled for game time. Over the following years, his career saw him move through several Italian clubs, including Pescara, Venezia, Parma, Trapani, Cremonese, and Monopoli. Although these were mostly lower-division sides, Fornasier consistently demonstrated his professionalism, offering solid defensive performances whenever called upon.
By the mid-2020s, Fornasier had found a home at Nardò in Serie D, Italy’s fourth tier. While far removed from the bright lights of Manchester United and Serie A, his career reflects the journey of many professional footballers—full of challenges, constant change, and the love of the game that keeps them playing year after year.
Sean McGinty
Sean McGinty’s career is a reminder of how unpredictable football development can be. Born in London in 1993, McGinty was considered a powerhouse defender when he came through Manchester United’s youth system. His height, strength, and aggressive style made him a standout at youth level, and there were genuine hopes he could make the transition into senior football.
However, like many young defenders at top clubs, first-team chances were virtually nonexistent. To gain experience, McGinty was sent on loan to several lower-league sides, including Morecambe, Oxford United, Carlisle United, and Tranmere Rovers. While these moves offered valuable playing time, McGinty was unable to establish himself as a long-term prospect for United.
In 2013, he left Old Trafford permanently, joining Sheffield United in the hope of breaking into their first team. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, and his career began to take on a journeyman trajectory. Over the following years, McGinty represented a host of clubs across England and Scotland, including Rochdale, Aldershot Town, Torquay United, Partick Thistle, Greenock Morton, Ayr United, Hamilton Academical, and Airdrieonians.
While he never became the star many once expected, McGinty built a respectable career as a reliable defender in the lower leagues. His adaptability, experience, and leadership qualities made him a valuable asset for clubs in need of defensive stability. His story highlights the difficulties of breaking through at an elite club like Manchester United, but also the opportunities that exist for players willing to continue their careers outside the spotlight.
👉 That’s the extended version — much longer, with more career detail, context, and storytelling.
Do you want me to also expand this into a full “Where Are They Now? Manchester United Academy” style article covering all four players together (with an intro + conclusion)?
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