Former Preston North End loanees Sam Johnstone and Will Keane are unlikely to be loaned out to Championship clubs again this season after being included in parent club Manchester United’s Europa League squad according to the Lancashire Evening Press.
The Red Devils are set to embark on their unwanted Europa League adventure later this month as they face Danish club FC Midtjylland over two legs in the last 32 of the competition.
Keane joined The Lilywhites on a season long loan from United in the summer but the move was ended early at the player’s request at the end of last year to enable Keane to return to Old Trafford and challenge for a chance to feature for United’s First Team. The striker struggled for goals at Preston North End scoring just twice in 22 appearances for the club.
Preston born goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was loaned to the Deepdale club by The Red Devils last season and played a huge part in the club’s promotion back to The Championship. The 22 year old returned to Preston North End at the start of last month on an emergency 28 day loan deal and has since returned to Old Trafford.
Striker Will Keane is hoping to play some part in United’s Europa League tie after impressing for their Under 21s side in recent weeks while Johnstone is one of three goalkeepers in the squad.
Manchester United travel to Denmark for the first leg on 18 February with the second leg taking place a week later.
